Downloads
CS/CS/HB 919 — Commercial Service Airports
by Commerce Committee; Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee; and Reps. Weinberger, Kendall, and others (CS/CS/SB 706 by Rules Committee; Transportation Committee; and Senators Mayfield, Gruters, Massullo, Avila, and Pizzo)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Transportation Committee (TR)
The bill preempts to the state the naming of major commercial service airports. The bill defines the term “major commercial service airports” to mean airports classified by the Federal Aviation Administration as large or medium hub airports.
The bill codifies the names of Florida’s seven major commercial service airports. The only airport’s name changed from its current name is the “Palm Beach International Airport,” which the bill renames as the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” This name change is subject to approval by the Federal Aviation Administration and the execution of an agreement with the rights holders authorizing the use of the name “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” at no cost to Palm Beach County.
The bill provides that each airport’s listed name remains valid if the airport no longer meets the criteria for a major commercial service airport. The bill also requires the Florida Department of Transportation to annually review the list of major commercial service airports and notify the Legislature of any airport’s change in status.
The bill requires government records created on or after July 1, 2026, referring to a major commercial service airport to use the name listed in the bill. The bill provides that an airport’s name is a branding designation and that a name change does not require the creation of a new legal entity or a change to any existing documents. A political subdivision is in compliance with any name change if it diligently pursues all needed approvals and, upon receiving such approvals, timely commences making such changes.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 25-11; House 81-30