Florida Bill Threatens Local Control Over Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Name.

Legislation is quickly moving through the Florida state legislature that would rename Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to Donald J. Trump International Airport. The proposal is drawing scrutiny from some South Florida lawmakers. They are concerned about language that would give the state legislature the power to rename other major hubs.

Legislative Progress and Local Concerns

The Florida airport renaming bill includes two companion measures: Senate Bill 706 (SB 706) and House Bill 919 (HB 919). The Senate version recently passed the Community Affairs Committee. It has one final stop in the Rules Committee before reaching the Senate floor. The House version is already ready for a full floor vote.

Critics are focused on the bill's provision that preempts local government authority. This gives the state the sole power to name the state's seven major commercial service airports. State Senator Barbara Sharief, D-Davie, voiced strong opposition to the preemption. She stated that officials in her county want to keep the current name of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Senator Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, suggested an amendment. This change would require local government input before any legislative action on renaming.

Bill sponsor State Senator Debbie Mayfield, R-Indialantic, defended the measure. She suggested that any future efforts to change other names would likely face resistance from local area legislators. The only name change currently proposed is the Palm Beach International Airport renaming to Donald J. Trump International Airport.

Scope of State Authority and Aviation Impact

The legislation would grant the state legislature airport naming authority over the seven Florida major commercial service airports. These include:

• Orlando International Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport
• Tampa International Airport
• Southwest Florida International Airport (Lee County)
• Jacksonville International Airport
• Palm Beach International Airport

This move represents a significant shift in airport governance legislative action. It removes control from local authorities like the Broward County Aviation Department, which operates FLL.

Regulatory Hurdles and Operational Costs

Any name change for a major commercial airport requires Federal Aviation Administration approval. The FAA must be notified of the change and must update its official records. These include the Airport Master Record and air traffic control maps. This administrative process can take several months. The FAA's role is primarily operational, ensuring no confusion in air traffic control.

Furthermore, the bill makes the Donald J. Trump International Airport name change contingent on two factors. First is the Federal Aviation Administration approval. Second is the execution of an agreement between Palm Beach County and the trademark holder. This agreement must authorize the commercial use of the name. Airport officials have also noted the potential for millions in rebranding costs. These expenses cover replacing signage, marketing materials, and other operational documents. The preempts local airport control aspect of the bill is the core concern for many stakeholders. It sets a precedent for state-level intervention in local aviation infrastructure.

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