Tax exemption of authority

Tax exemption of authority. — It is hereby found and determined that all of the projects authorized by this part constitute essential governmental purposes, and all of the properties, revenues, moneys, and other assets owned and used in the operation of those projects shall be exempt from all taxation, including special assessments, by the state or by any county, municipality, political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof. However, nothing in this section shall grant any person other than the authority an exemption from the tax imposed in chapter 220, and if property of the authority is leased, the property shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation only if the use by the lessee qualifies the property for exemption under s. 196.199 . 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. The property of the authority shall be subject to the provisions of s. 196.199 .