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
For reference…the pertinent part of the Flag Code that many Americans have no idea about. From the Flag Code:
The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed, or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations.
Ordinarily it should be displayed only between sunrise and sunset, although the Flag Code permits night time display “when a patriotic effect is desired.” Similarly, the flag should be displayed only when the weather is fair, except when an all weather flag is displayed. (By presidential proclamation and law, the flag is displayed continuously at certain honored locations like the United States Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington and Lexington Green.)
It should be illuminated if displayed at night.
Now when you see a Flag flying…think about how many of those displays dishonor the Old Glory!
Trump hurry up this is terrible…..
The neighbors with some common sense should come to this man’s defense and put a stop to this stupidity…Hang in there sir; thank you for your service and freedom to do this is what you fought for!
SO TIRED OF THIS … He can have as many FLAGS As he WANTS … In fact, I have …..
IS YOUR FLAG UPSIDE DOWN … THERE IS A PROBLEM THEN …
Look closely, OFFENDED …
🙁
You mean the tag line was a lie?
This is just plain stupid. I don’t care if he’s in a home owners $#%&!@*ociation or not. Flying a flag is his right. If it was me I would be suing the homeowner $#%&!@*ociation. This c**p has no place in America.
so very sad, my flag is up 24/7 and will be for a long time.