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
he fought for that right he should have it
Disgraceful where do those people think that they are?,,they need a bunch of our Veterans to give them an attitude adjustment
I guess the most logical solution here is DONT LIVE IN AN HOA! Everybody knows HOA’s are restrictive in decoration and can even tell you what colors you can paint you house. It is idiotic to purchase one of these homes, read and sign the APPLICATION to live there and then complain about restrictions. I display the flag at my home where I pay lot rent for my trailer, and if my landlord decided to tell me to take it down, I might not be happy, but it’s his property and he can tell me to do anything he wants. The HOA owns the rights to properties within their boundaries and if you feel restricted, move.
the people doing this are traitors to the USA and they should all be HUNG period THIS IS AMERICA
We all need to fight back,, This is not just crazy but also disgusting that our government would let this craziness happen.
Good surname.
The inmates are running the prisons. We no longer have rights.
Disgusting….YOU STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS..AMERICAN PATRIOTS ARE WITH YOU…EXTERMINATE THE $#%&!@*ROACHES ALERT
WELCOME TO THE OBAMMA ADMINISTRATION. FLY YOUR FLAG AND GOD BLESS YOU, THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE/ FROM A FELLOW VET.
Depends on the contract.