PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Palm Beach County commissioners voted Tuesday to pause, rather than end, the county's lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration over flight restrictions around Mar-a-Lago and changes to arrival and departure routes at Palm Beach International Airport.
The county has already spent about $254,000 on the lawsuit. Commissioners debated whether continuing the legal fight would provide any meaningful relief to residents who say planes are now flying over their neighborhoods more frequently.
Region C Palm Beach County
FAA flight restrictions around Mar-a-Lago spark lawsuit, resident frustration
Some commissioners argued the FAA failed to follow proper procedures before implementing the changes and said residents deserve a voice in the process. Other commissioners questioned spending additional taxpayer dollars on a case they believe is unlikely to succeed.
Commissioners voted to place the lawsuit in abeyance, meaning it will remain on hold while preserving the county's ability to potentially challenge future FAA actions. Commissioners also directed staff to submit comments to the FAA before an October deadline related to the proposed permanent flight restrictions.
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