Florida lawmakers pass bill to rename Palm Beach airport after Trump

Florida's legislature passed SB 706 to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump; the bill now goes to Governor Ron DeSantis and would require FAA approval to take effect on July 1 if signed.

Florida lawmakers have passed a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump. The measure, SB 706, cleared the Florida House 81-30 and the state Senate 25-11. The airport is minutes from Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach. The bill now goes to Governor Ron DeSantis, who has not said whether he will sign it. Key developments: - SB 706 passed the Florida Senate 25-11 after a House vote of 81-30. - If the governor signs the bill, the change would still need Federal Aviation Administration approval and was reported to take effect on July 1. - Politico reported the renaming and rebranding could cost upwards of US$5.5 million. - The White House communications director posted on X in support, saying the name "has a GREAT ring to it." - The Trump Organization filed trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office seeking rights to several airport names and related items, and said the family would not receive royalties. - Some local officials and Democratic lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel and state Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, criticized the process for lacking local input. Summary: The legislature's votes advance a proposal that would rename the airport if the governor signs and the FAA approves, with a reported July 1 effective date. The decision has drawn both supportive statements and objections from local representatives; final outcome depends on executive and federal approvals.