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
Kathy, that’s fine…you must not live in or understand what an HOA is/does/represents. If you sue the HOA you’re suing yourself…your neighbors etc…you’d be quit the popular gal…. : )
Ron, if you had read you’d see this wasn’t about a Flag…just a headline to grab your attention
John, you should also know…the members of the HOA can easily abolish the HOA if they CHOOSE to abolish it. It really is just that simple! Clearly the majority who live in this community want to live in the HOA. Perhaps if you read a little more about this guy you’ll learn this isn’t about a flag…
just have the HOA members (every homeowner) vote for the HOA to be abolished. No need for a law. It’s simple!
don’t live in an HOA…
what law was violated Darrell?
Better yet Winona Wacker…have the members of the HOA vote the HOA to be abolished. They have 100% power and authority to do so! Perhaps a better question is…why haven’t the members voted for it to be abolished???
I don’t know what a proper manner is as long as the flag isn’t touching the ground. This man is a vet and I’m sure this flag means a great deal to him! Just leave people with flags alone!
This is totally wrong! i have no use for HOA’s.
shut them