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
HOA’s can be relentless. They should be better controlled. However, if you want to live where you have to sign up with the association, you should follow their rules or move.
Thats bull $#%&!@*
Linda, HOA’s can actually be disbanded if the majority homeowners vote it so. I think that is absolute control.
It may be time for our bikers to show up !
Send the fine to Obama!
When did this become Russia? Oh! wait this is OBAMA land where only the People in Washington have all the rights.
So are you in America?And if you are you damn well know that you can win in court.Sue their asses til they bleed.If you take this c**p,then you are no better than they are!
total bull$#%&!@*
Disheartening! 🙁
lock n load muther$#%&!@*er!