The county office of the Tax Collector was established in the 1885 state constitution. It was thought that local taxes could best be collected by a local official, who would be more responsive to the needs of the community that elected him or her. The Tax Collector serves a four year term and is elected at the same time as the President of the United States.

The Tax Collector is responsible for the collection of ad valorem taxes and other taxes set at the local level, including those by special levying districts, state agencies, and county commissions. The Tax Collector also acts as an agent of several state departments, including the Department of Revenue, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and the Fresh Water Fish Commision.

For the Department of Revenue, the Tax Collector bills and collects real and personal property taxes. The amount of the tax is based on the assessed value of the property and the millage rate, which is set by various taxing authorities. As an agent of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Tax Collector issues state motor vehicle licenses and processes applications for titles on automobiles, trucks, mobile homes, and boats. The Tax Collector also sells Hunting and Fishing licenses for the State.

In most counties, the Tax Collector is a fee office and the office budget is approved by the Department of Revenue.   The office operates on the fees imposed for services rendered and any excess monies are remitted to the Board of County Commissioners at the end of September every year.