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
Why is this Ileagle
Our country and we can’t fly a flag of the USA?
Where is the ACLJ?
The last time I checked this was a free country,and the American Flag should be able to be flown anywhere and at any time,we fought for our freedom and our flag,so the butts who are giveingthis man problems about flying his flag should back up and regroup,if you are not an American and you don’t like our flag you can leave any time the sooner the better
Either this guy is lying, is stupid, or has an Attorney that is in malpractice so bad, he shouldn’t practice law ANYWHERE!
Federal Law PROHIBITS any HOS from prohibiting the flying of an American flag… this is ILLEGAL!
The Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 (Pub.L. 109–243, 120 Stat. 572, enacted July 24, 2006.
“An Act of Congress that prohibits real estate management organizations from restricting homeowners from displaying the flag of the United States on their property.”
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-109publ243/html/PLAW-109publ243.htm
Totally shameful!
MINE IS HANGING ON THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE….A BIG ONE..
You cant take away my American Pride or Spirit..LET FREEDOM RING..KEEP FLYING YOUR FLAG..IN AMERICA ITS NOT ILLEGAL.
If this doesn’t p**s you off then you’re not a true American.
Hano