TALAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — A bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport as “Donald J. Trump International Airport” was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis and will take effect July 1.
The renaming now only has one hurdle to jump, approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The change also includes a new airport identifier, “DJT,” and directs the appropriate federal agencies to update all references to the new name.
The FAA will coordinate with organizations such as the International Air Transport Association to pursue adoption of the new airport code.
The renaming follows action at both the state and federal levels, where lawmakers advanced similar proposals recognizing President Donald J. Trump’s ties to Palm Beach County.
Hearing the news, President Trump’s son, Eric Trump, took to X announcing that PBIA was renamed to “President Donald Trump International Airport.”
“Proud to have played a small role in making this happen,” Eric Trump said. He gave special thanks to Meg Weinberger, a Republican running for State House District 94, as well as Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Attorney General James Uthemeier and the Florida House.
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U.S. Representative Brian Mast (FL-21) introduced companion federal legislation to codify the name change at the national level and ensure coordination across aviation agencies. He said the designation reflects Trump’s longstanding connection to the area and his broader legacy.
“President Donald J. Trump’s impact on our nation will transcend our time—a historic legacy of dedication and commitment toward the American people,” Mast said. “He’s called Palm Beach County ‘home’ for many years, and this designation reflects our gratitude for his public service and leadership.”
Palm Beach International Airport, a major economic driver in the region that serves millions of travelers each year, has been the focus of increased legislative attention in Florida. Earlier this year, the Florida House approved the renaming proposal in an 81–30 vote, aligning with similar legislation in the state Senate.
State funding — including $2.75 million outlined in the Senate budget — has been allocated for signage, branding updates, and operational changes needed to implement the new name by the July 1 effective date.
Following the renaming, the Florida Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell stating:
“Life keeps getting more expensive for working families and seniors in Florida, which is why Democrats spent this legislative session fighting for an affordability agenda to lower costs and put more money back in your pocket. Instead of working across the aisle with us to advance those bills, Republican leaders decided to prioritize wasting five million of your taxpayer dollars on renaming an airport after the President. Your money is being misused to celebrate the man who caused gas prices to rise to over four dollars a gallon, grocery costs to shoot up, and health care prices to spike. Republicans are out of touch when it comes to the real issues impacting Floridians. The people of Florida did not ask for this. It’s clear Tallahassee Republicans care more about political stunts than they care about your wallet.”
