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
Outrageous in my Country of freedom and free speech! If he flew a Muslim flag it would be no problem!
Vietnam Vet here says tell them to go to Hell!
I really do not like HOAs they think they are God and that they can do anything they want.. WRONG
screw them it is your right as an american citizen to display your flag !!! money is not important- but your values are priceless!!!
He chose to live in an HOA community. Live within their rules that you – as a home buyer, agreed to prior to purchasing a home or change the rules to allow flower pot flags…
Just that simple!!!
HE HAS THE RIGHT TO FLY HIS AMERICAN FLAG, I WOULD NOT LIVE IN ANY PLACE THAT THOUGHT THEY COULD CONTROL MY FLAG RIGHTS
Another level of government control. the bastards only like you when you fight to save their miserable ass. then they want total control of all you do
Call the ACLU. They just might help! The Thomas Moore agency might just take your case on, too. WE should have the right to put our country’s flag anywhere we want to. Discrimination against Old Glory is disgusting and should be done away with post haste.,
Constance – there is zero discrimination. To get to a 8k fine this HOA resident had ample opportunity to resolve the issue. He ignored – I guarantee, the multiple attempts by the HOA to resolve the issue (he could have petitioned the community to change the rule).
Thus, the HOA’s next step to force compliance is a lien. Depending on State law….foreclosure is next.
When you CHOOSE to live in an HOA community you give up some of your freedoms to do as you please. Don’t like HOA communities….don’t buy a house in an HOA community…
IF YOU DON’T LOVE OUR FLAG THAT FLY’S ABOVE AMERICA AND UNDER GOD THAN GET THE HELL OUT OF AMERICA , LEAVE THAT MAN ALONE !!!