WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Crews have begun installing new highway signs directing drivers to the soon-to-be-renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport, marking the first visible steps in a high-profile airport rebranding mandated by state law.
The signs, installed this week at Exit 69B, are part of a broader $5.5 million rebrand of Palm Beach International Airport. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the renaming legislation in March 2026, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approving the change and setting July 9 as the official effective date. The airport’s three-letter code will also switch from PBI to DJT.
State officials say the renaming honors the president’s deep ties to Palm Beach County, where he maintains a residence at Mar-a-Lago. The rebranding effort is partially funded by the state, with airport operations, airline schedules, and passenger services expected to continue without interruption during the transition.
“Travelers will start seeing the new signage on major highways in the coming weeks as the full rollout progresses,” a Florida Department of Transportation spokesperson said.
The move has sparked sharp divisions online and in public discourse. Supporters have praised the rename as a fitting tribute to Trump’s contributions and his connection to Florida, while critics have called it political overreach and an unnecessary expense. At least two lawsuits have been filed challenging the change, arguing that it undermines local control over the county-owned airport.
The FAA’s approval ensures that air traffic control, safety protocols, and federal procedures remain unaffected by the name change. Airport officials have stated that existing infrastructure, including terminals, runways, and baggage systems, will be updated gradually over the coming months.
The renaming comes as Trump remains a dominant figure in Republican politics following his time in office. Florida, a key political battleground, has seen several public projects and institutions reflect conservative priorities under DeSantis’s administration.
Local business leaders expressed hope that the high-profile name could boost tourism and international recognition for the region, while some residents voiced concerns about potential confusion during the transition period.
The first highway signs are expected to be fully operational in the days ahead, giving drivers an early preview of the new President Donald J. Trump International Airport designation before its official debut on July 9.
