TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two more bills into law, including one that could impact airports across the state.
That bill (HB 919) gives the state the power to rename major commercial service airports all across Florida.
More specifically, the bill refers to the following airports:
- Orlando International Airport
- Miami International Airport
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
- Tampa International Airport
- Southwest Florida International Airport
- Jacksonville International Airport
- Palm Beach International Airport
The selection of airports is based on the FAA’s classification system, which states that these hubs are either medium- or large-sized.
[BELOW: New legislation lets Florida lawmakers rename major airports]
However, the bill only renames one of these airports: the Palm Beach International Airport, which it would redub as the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” This means that government records will have to refer to the airport as such.
The name change is subject to approval by the FAA and the execution of an agreement between the county and the trademark holder permitting the use of that name, though.
While HB 919 gives the state the authority to rename all of these airports, it instead says that the rest will retain their names. That said, the ability would still be vested in the state to do so if it chooses in the future.
[BELOW: Here’s what to know about Florida’s newest license plate law]
Meanwhile, all of the bills approved on Monday are as follows:
HB 919 — Donald Trump Airport
House Bill 919 preempts to the state the ability to name major commercial service airports.
More specifically, the bill renames the Palm Beach International Airport as the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.”
All other major airports, including the Orlando International Airport, may keep their current names for now.
The law takes effect on July 1.
HB 1153 — Juvenile Justice
House Bill 1153 includes “juvenile detention officers” and “juvenile probation officers” in multiple state statutes related to correctional officers.
This allows such positions to be eligible for a Medal of Heroism or Valor, as well as subjects a person to first-degree aggravated manslaughter if he/she causes such an officer to die through culpable negligence.
HB 1153 took effect upon being signed.