Panel approves bill defining major airports and setting process to rename PBI as Donald J. Trump International Airport (HB 919)

Representatives Weinberger and Kendall presented House Bill 919, which would define “major commercial service airports” following the Federal Aviation Administration’s medium/large airport categories and create a state-level preemption for naming such facilities. The bill lists the state’s largest airports and includes a provision designating Palm Beach International Airport to be renamed "Donald J. Trump International Airport," subject to FAA approval, trademark-holder permission and Palm Beach County implementation.

Representative Eskamani questioned the preemption provision and asked how the bill would affect future local renamings; the sponsor said naming authority for major commercial service airports would move to the state and that the Palm Beach change reflects a geographic and historic connection to the president. Representatives and Palm Beach County staff emphasized coordination: Alessandro Archesani and Caroline Fraser testified that the county helped draft amendment language to clarify trademark and implementation timelines and expressed support for providing the county flexibility to implement signage and branding changes.

Members debated whether renaming infrastructure while a president is in office is appropriate and asked about revenues from merchandise and trademark licensing; the amendment clarified the trademark waiver and gave Palm Beach County reasonable time to implement changes. The amendment was adopted and the committee voted to report HB 919 favorably.