The helipad at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club is here to stay — even after he leaves the White House.
In a unanimous 5-0 vote Tuesday, the Palm Beach Town Council approved a revised agreement allowing the helicopter landing pad on Mar-a-Lago’s west lawn to remain in place beyond Trump’s second term, reversing an earlier requirement that it be removed.
The change came at the request of the U.S. Secret Service and White House Military Office, which cited ongoing security concerns involving Trump and his family.
For now, the 60-foot concrete helipad can only be used to transport Trump on official presidential business. Once his presidency ends, its use becomes even more limited.
Under the new rules, government aircraft may only use the helipad for emergency transportation involving Donald or Melania Trump, as determined by the Secret Service, and agents must be on board. The pad may also be used by law enforcement, fire-rescue, EMS, and other first responders during emergencies.
Everything else is off limits.
Private flights, commercial operations, recreational use, and even flights involving Mar-a-Lago members, guests, or Trump family members who are not under Secret Service protection are strictly prohibited.
The town also attached some steep penalties. Any unauthorized landing or takeoff will trigger a $15,000 fine, payable within 10 days. Each subsequent violation increases by another $10,000, with penalties assessed per landing or takeoff.
The original helipad built during Trump’s first term was dismantled shortly after he left office in 2021. Construction of the new helipad is expected to take place this summer while Mar-a-Lago is closed for the season.
The structure may remain as long as Mar-a-Lago serves as Donald or Melania Trump’s designated non-government residence. If that designation changes, the helipad must be removed within three months.
