To honor Bobby Bowden, Gov. DeSantis signs measure renaming Tallahassee airport

Out-of-town Gator fans coming to the Florida State University rivalry game will now fly into the Bobby Bowden-Tallahassee International Airport, Gov. Ron DeSantis quipped, as he made the airport name change official.

At a ceremony in Tallahassee, DeSantis signed SB 628, which renames several roads and facilities, including renaming the Tallahassee airport after legendary football coach Bobby Bowden.

Other changes in the new law include naming State Road 80 from Palm Beach County to Lee County after President Donald Trump. It’s not the first Trump tribute to come out of the 2026 Legislative Session. DeSantis already signed legislation last month renaming the Palm Beach International Airport as the President Donald J. Trump International Airport.

In addition, SB 628 also honors the late FSU President John Thrasher by renaming a portion of College Avenue in Leon County as President John Thrasher Memorial Boulevard.

Speaking at a news conference in Tallahassee, DeSantis focused his remarks on Bowden and the Tallahassee airport.

“I can think of no better person from this community that people have looked up to for decades to name the Tallahassee International Airport after then our renowned head coach of Florida State University,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis often speaks reverently about the late Bowden, who won the National Championship at FSU in 1993 and 1999. DeSantis once even said he would have named Bowden to be Lieutenant Governor if the coach was still alive.

Sen. Corey Simon, who played under Bowden, also was on hand at the news conference to celebrate the new airport name.

“Bowden lived by the motto of faith, family and football. Well, as of today we can add another ‘F’ to that motto — and that’s flights,” Simon said.

State officials said Bowden’s tribute will happen quickly, as the law takes effect July 1.

“I’m happy to share with you today that as soon as we get done with this ceremony, you’re going to see FDOT crews out there on the road updating every single sign leading to the Tallahassee International Airport,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue.