Exemption from taxation.

The effectuation of the authorized purposes of the authority created under this chapter is, shall and will be, in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, and since such authority will be performing essential governmental functions in effectuating such purposes, such authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments of any kind or nature whatsoever upon any property acquired or used by it for such purposes or upon any rates, fees, rentals, receipts, income, or charges at any time received by it, and the bonds and other obligations issued under this chapter, their transfer and the income therefrom (including any profits made on the sale thereof), shall at all times be free from taxation of any kind by the state or by any political subdivision or taxing agency or instrumentality thereof. The exemption granted by this section shall not be applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations. When property of the authority is leased, it shall be exempt from ad valorem taxes only if the use by the lessee qualifies the property for exemption under s. 196.199.