Florida House Approves Bill to Rename Palm Beach Airport After Donald Trump Amid Heated Debate

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Florida House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 919, a measure that would rename Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The bill passed with an 81-30 vote following what observers described as an emotionally charged and aggressive floor debate.

According to reporting by the Florida Phoenix, the legislation now moves closer to final enactment, with its Senate companion, SB 706, positioned for a final floor vote. If signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, the bill would strip the local county of its naming authority for the airport and impose a rebranding effort estimated to cost millions of dollars.

Legislative Action and Financial Implications

The passage of HB 919 marks a significant step in the state legislature’s effort to honor the former president in his home county. However, the proposal has sparked controversy regarding both its funding and its imposition on a local government that politically opposes the former president.

The Cost of Rebranding

State estimates indicate that renaming the airport will cost approximately $5.5 million. This figure covers the replacement of roadway and terminal signage, the rebranding of employee uniforms, and updates to IT systems and promotional materials. Crucially, the text of HB 919 does not explicitly appropriate state funds to cover these expenses.

Palm Beach County officials have warned that without state assistance, the financial burden will likely fall on the airport itself. This would force the facility to use revenue generated from user fees and tenant rents to pay for a name change mandated by the state, rather than for operational improvements.

Senate Progress

While the House has cleared the bill, the process is not yet complete. The Senate version of the legislation, SB 706, sponsored by Senator Debbie Mayfield, has cleared the Transportation, Community Affairs, and Rules committees. It is currently awaiting a final vote on the Senate floor before it can be presented to the Governor.

Trademark Concerns and the “Grift” Debate

A central flashpoint in the debate involves intellectual property rights and the potential for commercial profit. During the legislative session, opponents raised concerns regarding trademark filings made by DTTM Operations LLC, a company that manages Donald Trump’s intellectual property.

Reports indicate that the company filed “intent to use” applications for names including “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” and “DJT.” These filings cover a wide range of merchandise, such as clothing, luggage, and souvenirs. Critics, including Representative Anna Eskamani, argued that this creates a framework for a “grift,” where the former president could profit from goods sold at a publicly funded airport.

Supporters of the bill dismissed these concerns. The Trump Organization issued a statement asserting they would license the name “royalty-free” to prevent misuse by bad actors. However, opponents noted that the bill’s text does not legally mandate a royalty-free arrangement, leaving the terms of any future licensing agreement theoretically open to negotiation.

A Vitriolic Floor Debate

The debate on the House floor was characterized by deeply personal exchanges, reflecting the polarized view of the former president’s legacy in Florida.

Arguments in Favor

Republican supporters framed the renaming as a necessary tribute to a “hometown hero.” Representative Dean Black praised the former president’s impact on the region, suggesting that Palm Beach was the birthplace of a new political era.

“With the renaming of this bill… it will officially become a great airport.”

, Rep. John Snyder (R-Stuart), via Florida Phoenix

Sponsors of the bill argued that Trump is the first president to be a Florida resident while in office, justifying the honor regardless of local political sentiment.

Arguments Against

Democrats countered that the renaming was offensive to many Floridians, citing the former president’s history of controversial rhetoric. Representative Michele Rayner delivered one of the most widely shared remarks of the session, questioning the intensity of her colleagues’ devotion to the former president.

“I wish I could find someone to love me the way y’all love Donald Trump.”

, Rep. Michele Rayner (D-St. Petersburg), via Florida Phoenix

Other lawmakers, including Senator Shevrin Jones, have previously argued that honoring a figure with a history of racially charged controversies is an insult to Floridians of color.

AirPro News Analysis

The passage of HB 919 highlights a continuing trend in Florida politics where the state legislature preempts local authority to enforce cultural or political changes. Palm Beach County, a Democratic stronghold that voted against Donald Trump in the 2024 election, has resisted the renaming. By bypassing the county commission, the state legislature is effectively overruling local governance to install a partisan symbol on public infrastructure.

This move follows a precedent set by the renaming of a stretch of Southern Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago to “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.” The recurrence of these state-level interventions suggests that the legislature is increasingly willing to use its preemption powers to shape the cultural landscape of specific municipalities, regardless of local voter sentiment.

Sources

• Florida Phoenix
• Mitch Perry