WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Palm Beach County commissioners are set to take another step today toward renaming Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump, with a vote scheduled on an agreement tied to the proposed airport name change on Tuesday.
At a meeting, county commissioners will vote on a naming rights and licensing agreement that would change the airport’s name to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.”
This, after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law in March approving the name change.
The proposed agreement includes approved branding for the new airport name. It would also give the county a permanent, royalty-free license to use the name for signage, advertising, marketing, merchandise, promotions, and branding for airport operations.
Even if commissioners approve the agreement, the Federal Aviation Administration would have the final say on the name change. If approved by the FAA, changes would take effect by July 1, 2026.
The proposed renaming has drawn backlash, including a Palm Beach County pilot who recently sued to stop the name change, arguing it overrides local authority.
Pilot sues to block Florida law renaming Palm Beach airport for President Trump
U.S. Congresswoman Lois Frankel also released this statement overnight:
“Airports named after presidents have traditionally been designated once they leave office and through decisions made by local communities and local authorities—not imposed from above,” said Rep. Frankel. “While the County has to comply with State law, what we are seeing is a clear overreach by the State Legislature that forced through this change without meaningful input from the people who actually live here, work here, and rely on Palm Beach International Airport every day.”
Supporters of the name change are planning to attend Tuesday’s county meeting at 9 a.m. to speak in favor of the proposal.
