The property and income of the authority, all bonds issued by the authority, the interest payable on and the income derived from such bonds, conveyances by or to the authority and leases, mortgages and deeds of trust or trust indentures by or to the authority shall be exempt from all taxation in the state. The authority shall be exempt from all taxes levied by any county, municipality or other political subdivision of the state, including, but without limitation, license and excise taxes imposed in respect of the privilege of engaging in any of the activities in which the authority may engage. Nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt any private person, firm or corporation from payment of any ad valorem, mortgage or deed taxes or recording fees notwithstanding the fact that the authority shall have acquired an interest in the property or instrument subject to such taxes or fees.