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
as a veteran, i could only say how stupid. i would like to see some one remove a flag from my flowerpot. good luck.
Stupid people
I don’t get it. If he is paying his loan to a bank for his house how can a hoa forclose on him?
I’d put up a bigger 1
That’s so wrong! He should be able to fly a flag anywhere he wants and no way lose his home because of it. GOD BLESS America!!!!
This does not speak well of this community or their HOA…….I doubt seriously that he will lose this case…….It is an American flag…….and we live in America……..this flag can fly anytime anywhere it chooses…….I do not believe the HOA has any ground for this and they should be fined double and paid by each of the $#%&!@*ociations officers…..!!!!! Spread this around so others will not make the mistake of moving into his community.
Why ?I don”d get it or understand it
Thats Crazy.
Let me get this right, The NATZI Homeowners $#%&!@*ociation in Jacksonville Fl. USA is behind this.
Disgusting