Pilot Sues Florida Over Palm Beach International Airport Renaming Law

PALM BEACH, Fla. – A licensed pilot has filed a lawsuit challenging a Florida law that would rename Palm Beach International Airport to honor former President Donald Trump. George W. Poncy Jr., based in Palm Beach County, filed the suit April 12 in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.

Legal and Operational Concerns

The lawsuit argues the state legislature overstepped its authority by mandating a name for a county-owned facility. Poncy contends House Bill 919 violates home rule provisions and bypasses established statutes for naming public infrastructure. The complaint also raises safety concerns about potential confusion in aviation dispatch systems if airport names are updated across charts and databases at different times.

Under the law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March 2026, federal agencies must update references to the airport name by July 1, 2026. Poncy seeks a declaration that House Bill 919 is unlawful and requests an injunction blocking its enforcement. The case also questions implementation feasibility regarding trademark rights for the designated name.