Florida House OKs Trump Airport Name

- The estimated cost for the name change is $5.5 million, which would cover new signage, rebranding of equipment and uniforms, and updates to technology and promotional materials. This expense would be covered by airport revenue unless the state provides additional funding. - The legislation, identified as SB 706 and HB 919, gives the state of Florida the authority to name the state's seven major commercial airports, though Palm Beach International is the only one currently slated for a name change. The bill passed the Florida House with an 81-30 vote and the state Senate 25-11. - Days before the bill's approval, a company managed by the Trump Organization, DTTM Operations LLC, filed trademark applications for "President Donald J. Trump International Airport," "Donald J. Trump International Airport," and "DJT." The Trump Organization has stated it will not charge a licensing fee for the use of the name. - The proposal has drawn criticism from Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, who represents the district and has called the change "misguided and unfair" for proceeding without significant input from local residents. Palm Beach County voters narrowly favored Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. - Supporters of the bill, such as Republican State Sen. Debbie Mayfield, argue the renaming is a fitting honor for Trump as a Palm Beach County resident and the first Florida resident to be elected president. His Mar-a-Lago residence is located minutes from the airport. - If Governor Ron DeSantis signs the bill, the name change would also require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and would take effect on July 1. - Several other U.S. airports are named after former presidents, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.