Palm Beach International Airport in Florida has officially been renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport following the signing of new legislation on Monday, March 30, 2026. The change is scheduled to take effect on July 1, pending final federal approval.
Legislation and Official Announcement
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 919 into law, initiating the formal process to rename Palm Beach International Airport. The legislation requires that state records reflect the new name, President Donald J. Trump International Airport, beginning July 1, 2026.
The airport, commonly known by its identifier PBI, serves as a major travel hub in South Florida. The name change represents a significant update to the airport’s official designation, though the transition process is still underway.
Officials have not indicated any immediate operational changes beyond the renaming, and the airport is expected to continue normal operations during the transition period.
Federal Approval Status
While the state legislation has been signed into law, the name change is still subject to final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Authorities noted that federal approval is required before the new name can be fully implemented across all official systems and aviation records. Until that process is completed, the transition remains partially pending.
No timeline has been provided for when the Federal Aviation Administration will issue its final decision regarding the name change.
Airport Codes and Identification
Despite the change in the airport’s official name, the three-letter airport code PBI is expected to remain the same during the initial phase of the transition.
Officials indicated that while there is a broader federal effort to eventually update the airport’s identifier to DJT, no immediate changes to the code have been confirmed. The current identifier will continue to be used as the renaming process moves forward.
Airport codes are widely used in airline operations, ticketing, and navigation systems, making any potential changes a complex process that typically requires coordination across multiple agencies.
Cost and Implementation
The cost of implementing the name change is estimated to range between $2.75 million and $5.5 million. These expenses are expected to cover updates such as new signage, branding materials, and staff uniforms.
Officials have not provided a detailed breakdown of the costs but indicated that the transition will involve multiple aspects of the airport’s public-facing and operational identity.
The implementation process is expected to take place over time as updates are completed and new materials are introduced across the facility.
Transition Timeline
If all approvals are finalized, the new name will officially take effect on July 1, 2026, in accordance with the state legislation.
During the transition period, updates to signage and branding may occur in stages. Authorities have not specified how long it will take for all changes to be fully implemented.
The airport is expected to continue operating under its current systems while the transition progresses.
