26-02-2025
As Trump's security bill escalates, Palm Beach County officials say they need federal help
Palm Beach County officials, stuck with annual presidential security costs of more than $45 million, continue to explore new avenues for reimbursements so that the costs do not fall onto the shoulders of county taxpayers.
Assistant County Administrator Todd Bonlarron recently briefed county commissioners on the escalating costs and the efforts undertaken to minimize impacts. The bad news is that even if relief is obtained from the federal government, it won't come until next fiscal year.
The Palm Beach County Commission has transferred $20 million into the budget of County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw to cover massive amounts of overtime incurred by deputies to provide security for President Donald Trump. From July 20 to Nov. 10, 2024, PBSO incurred $13 million in costs for more than 100,000 hours of overtime.
In a letter to the county's congressional delegation, PBSO Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said his agency "remains steadfast in its commitment to assist with presidential protection activities as requested by the United States Secret Service. That being said, the designation of a federal funding source is critical to offset the very considerable expenses the Agency has incurred to date, and expects to incur moving forward."
Meanwhile, Bonlarron explained that the impacts go far beyond overtime expenses for PBSO. County Fire Rescue, the city of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach are also incurring considerable expense although he did not have figures readily available. He said, though, they were not "inconsequential."
Bonlarron said the county is working with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and U.S. Reps. Brian Mast and Lois Frankel to support a bill similar to the one that was enacted into law eight years ago. The law passed by Congress reimbursed the county and New York City for security costs related to the travels of President Trump.
Bonlarron noted that the county is currently trying to obtain reimbursement for when Trump campaigned for the presidency and for when he was president-elect. The county previously was only reimbursed for the time after he took office.
PBSO: We need $45 million to cover extraordinary costs incurred for Trump security
County: $20 million bill for Trump security will completely deplete special contingency fund
Bonlarron said the county is also looking for direct help from the Secret Service since the agency requested that the county provide the extraordinary protection for the president. "We feel good about getting reimbursed but we will know more in the coming months," he told commissioners.
Bonlarron noted that Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) has also experienced delays when the president visits Mara-a-Lago. Air Force One flies into PBI.
Bonlarron acknowledged that costs to county taxpayers will depend on how often the president visits Mar-a-Lago. The more visits, the greater the impact. As of Feb. 22, Trump had already spent 10 days at Mar-a-Lago during the month, including a six-day stint from Feb. 14-19.
Military aircraft enforce the flight restrictions. The Palm Beach Post reported last week that the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, confirmed there were three airspace violations of the imposed presidential protected space during Trump's six-day visit to Mar-a-Lago in February. Two occurred on Feb. 15 and one on Presidents Day, Feb. 17.
Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and issues impacting homeowner associations. You can reach him at mdiamond@ Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: County calls on federal government to help pay for Trump security
