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
I can’t believe this story. I fly an American Flag on my house every day, and have a small one in a flower pot on my porch. If someone tried to fine me or didn’t like it, I also have some kick-ass wrapped up in some more kick-ass ready for them.
this is the c**p that should be against the law. congress needs to address this kind of stupidity.itis some stupid trouble maker trying to run the neighborhood.
That entire neighborhood needs to fly flags!
American Flags!
B—S—
The HOA is clearly breaking the law. The gentlemen in question should sue the HOA for every last red cent they’ve got!
That is outrageous. OMG I can’t believe what this country is becoming.
Just more of Dumabama’s hatred of the military! 😛
time to take back our country from the $#%&!@*s in Washington DC
he is so un-American, $#%&!@*