Veteran Larry Murphfree from Jacksonville, FL was fined $8000 and had a foreclosure lien placed on his home for putting a small American flag in his flowerpot – even though he had a legal right to do so. If he doesn’t pay within 30 days he might lose his home.
“I want it to go away. It’s such a minor little thing and they keep coming after me,” he explained.
“They” is Murphree’s homeowner’s association. He’s lived in the Sweetwater community for years, and been at odds with the HOA for more than two. All over a flag. The veteran decided to put one in his flower pot, and has been fined as a result.
“They just sent me a letter that says I owe them around $8,000 and they put a foreclosure lien on my house,” he continued.
Action News wanted to know how that’s possible, so we took our questions to legal and safety expert Dale Carson.
“There’s an actual Florida statute that says he can display this flag,” Carson said.
Federal law from 2005 also backs that up. We reached out to the law office that reprsents the HOA and got attorney Michelle Haines. She tells me if payment is not made within 30 days, the law office can move forward with foreclosure on Murphree’s home. – See more at: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/veteran-may-lose-home-over-flag-fight/ngRCt/#sthash.OTe76VXL.dpuf
people have gone sterk raving mad.
I want to marry that car. 57 hell yeah.
idiots at work
The HOA where he lives must be run by some communists,this is America and that is our flag,fly it proudly everywhere.
where is the ACLU they jump right into action when it has to do with the color of your skin or you sexual orientation.
WHAT??? YOU SEE MY FLAGS ARE FLYING USA+STAR OF DAVID+POLISH FLAG +THAT IS 3 FULL FLAGS..WHY ARE YOU GOV ATTACKING THIS. VET????
I +MY HUSBAND ARE. DAV…..
ITS A SHAME WHEN YOU FIGHT FOR AMERICA +YOU CANT FLY YOUR FLAG??? REALY…
YES THE LAND MY HOUSE IS ON HAS LAND+ YES WE ARE PACKD TO DEFENT MY GRANDSON+ OUR HOME.. WHAT YOU ALL DOING IS WRONG SHAME ON YOU GOV….I DO HAVE PLENTY OF WEAPENS SO DO NOT COME ONE MY LAND….
I would get a good lawyer and sue the pants off the HOA. I would not pay the fine and would not remove the flag.
If he lives in an HOA, I believe it.
I dont understand why a HOA wont allow a small flag in a flower pot.
This is an infringement of all AMERICANS rights !!!