July 9 is the date. On that day the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) officially becomes the Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT). PBI is located only five miles down the road from Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago private club and residence, and not everyone is happy about the airport’s new name. Comments like -“I was bothered. I was not happy,” “I was not happy about it at all,” – have been expressed by many.
New Law Paves Pathway for Name Change
Earlier this year In March, Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed into law an amendment to Section 332.0075 of Florida state statutes. The newly amended law preempts “…to the state of Florida the authority to name major commercial service airports, including Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and rename PBI to President Donald J. Trump International Airport”.
The law additionally requires the county of Palm Beach “…to diligently pursue all required approvals/agreements to implement the name change, including obtaining approval of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and owner of the trademark authorizing its commercial use, and to timely commence signage and branding changes to maintain compliance with state law.” Updates to branding and signage will take place in phases, not all at once on July 9. They will not interfere with normal airport activities and services.
It should be noted that the airport’s new name – Donald J. Trump International Airport – was not independently chosen by its owner/operator the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners. Instead, the name change was mandated by the new state law.
County commissioners had no choice but to comply with the name change or face potential legal challenges. County control of the “ownership, governance, legal status or operational control of the airport” is not affected by the name change, according to information posted at the FAQs section of the Palm Beach County website. The county advertises the name change as a “branding” tactic only.
When Does the Airport’s Code Change from PBI to DJT
The airport’s three-letter IATA code “PBI” will not change to “DJT” until Aug 18, 2026. Before that date when searching for and booking flights, viewing schedules, information regarding baggage handling and obtaining other flight information, the public should use “PBI” as the airport’s code. Starting Aug.18 the public will need to use “DJT” to secure all information.
The Airport’s New Name Is Subject to Trademark Protection
On May 5, 2026 to comply with trademark protection regulations, Palm Beach County as the airport’s owner/operator entered into a “Naming Rights and License Agreement” with the owners of the rights to the airport’s new name. The agreement outlines both parties’ roles and responsibilities, ensures state law compliance, and protects the county from potential legal challenges, including trademark infringement. The name change will not affect airline routes, schedules and customer service. Palm Beach County will also continue to oversee all airport “policies, finances and strategic decisions”.