Rep. Frankel: FAA Refuses Community Requests for More Time to Weigh In on Mar-a-Lago Flight Restrictions

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rejected requests from local leaders to extend the public comment period on its proposal to make the current airspace restrictions around Mar-a-Lago permanent:

“The FAA has turned down requests from local leaders and residents to extend the public comment period beyond the October 2 deadline before deciding whether to make the Mar-a-Lago airspace restrictions permanent. The FAA’s refusal to give our community more time to be heard is a disappointing disservice to the thousands of residents who will be directly affected by this proposal.

“A decision with permanent consequences for our community deserves transparency, careful consideration, and genuine public engagement—not a rushed process. The fight is not over.”

As a result of the U.S. Secret Service request to the FAA to protect airspace over Mar-a-Lago nearly one year ago, residents have experienced significant changes in aircraft traffic causing noise and pollution. Previous flight paths affected approximately 2,200 homes and 5,000 residents, while the new routes affect more than 11,000 homes and 21,000 residents, businesses and schools. 

Residents have until October 2 to submit comments to the FAA.

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