Florida lawmakers have sent a major property tax proposal to voters. Supporters say it's about saving Floridians money. Critics warn about impacts on local services.

Nearly half of the state's 67 school districts are asking voters to approve higher property taxes.

The nomination comes days after lawmakers approved a tax package that allows diplomats and certain other federal officials serving overseas to keep Florida homestead tax exemptions while living abroad. House Speaker Daniel Perez denies the provision had anything to do with him.

A major property tax proposal is headed to Florida voters after getting OK'd by state lawmakers. Here's what it would do.

Local government officials are pushing back on a plan by Gov. Ron DeSantis to eliminate property taxes for many Floridians, saying the sweeping cuts would cripple basic services that range from classrooms to hospitals and libraries.

Democrats warned the measure could “bankrupt” local governments. If approved by the Legislature, it will appear on the November ballot.

The budget includes $30 billion for K-12 schools, with $201 million for teacher pay increases. That raise, though, will only go to teachers with 10 years of experience, with the increase capped at $3,000 per year.

Legislators have included $50 million in the state budget for campus improvements, as requested by the school. However, the governor said the state could eventually provide additional funding.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will ask lawmakers to schedule a referendum in November to gradually eliminate most property taxes.

The requests describe the project as a public-private partnership that would include a 100,000-square-foot indoor sports complex with basketball, pickleball, tennis and volleyball courts, museum space and event facilities.

The agreement restores eligibility for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program to 400% of the federal poverty level ($62,600 per year), reverses the drug restrictions and provides $75 million to run the program.

The Legislature plans to vote on the bill on Friday, along with the $114.5 billion budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.