A Republican lawmaker in Florida has introduced legislation that would rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump, a move that has raised concerns among some South Florida Democrats about broader implications for local control.
The proposal, sponsored by State Sen. Debbie Mayfield of Indialantic, would give the Florida Legislature authority to name the state’s seven major commercial airports. Under the bill, Palm Beach International Airport would become Donald J. Trump International Airport.
During a Community Affairs Committee meeting Tuesday, State Sen. Barbara Sharief, D-Davie, said local officials in her county oppose any effort to change the name of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.
“Our county wants to keep the name of their airport,” Sharief said.
Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, also urged changes to the bill, suggesting it should require consultation with local governments before lawmakers act on airport renaming.
Mayfield defended the proposal, saying any attempt to rename an airport through the legislative process would likely face resistance from lawmakers representing the affected areas.
“It would ultimately come down to the legislative will,” she said.
The proposed name change would require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as an agreement between Palm Beach County and the Trump trademark holder to authorize commercial use of the name.
The bill would also shift naming authority for Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Tampa, Southwest Florida International, and Jacksonville International airports to the Legislature.
The measure has one remaining stop in the Senate Rules Committee before heading to the full Senate. A House version of the bill is awaiting a floor vote after facing stronger opposition from Democratic lawmakers.