Florida’s Constitution first mentioned the “Revenue Collector” in 1868. The position was created as a state responsibility in each county. Known as “Revenue Collector”, these gubernatorial appointees served two-year terms.

Palm Beach County was established as the 47th Florida political subdivision (county) in 1909. Palm Beach County served as the County Seat of Dade County when its center of government was moved from Miami to Juno in 1889. The county seat remained in Juno until 1899.

In 1885, the Tax Collector became an elected official chosen by the local voters in each county. The Tax Collector remains an at-large candidate allowing all registered voters in the county to elect the officer.

The Tax Collector is one of seven county Constitutional Officers elected countywide to serve four-year terms and is not subject to term limits. The Tax Collector budget is established independent of the County Commission. The budget is funded by transactional fees as opposed to taxes.

The Florida Constitution and Laws require the Tax Collector to provide a wide range of state services to both taxpayers and citizens. These services include the collection and disbursement of ad valorem and non-ad valorem taxes, vehicle and vessel registration, local business tax receipt, title fees, hunting and fishing license fees and tourist development taxes (bed tax).

Thirteen tax collectors have served Palm Beach County including the current agency-head, Ms. Anne M. Gannon. Ms. Gannon was elected during the November 2006 elections and is the first woman to serve as the Palm Beach County Tax Collector.