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
This is wrong! and unconstitutional!
I live in Jax how can we help this guy !
Wake up people! Refuse to buy a home that is controlled by a homeowners association.
I’m sorry, but people need to wake TFU! How many more cases before you realize these homeowners associations have become like little mafias? Why people keep buying homes where there are these associations? I’m sorry but no association has more power or authority than the Constitution. He might be able to get out of it if he gets a good lawyer and argue that his first amendment rights have been violated, unless there is a clause that says he surrendered those rights to the association.
this is bulls–t !!!!!
what the hell is going on in our country, it’s time to put a stop to all this
send prayers up for this hero. Bind Satan.
This is pure BS. IT REPRESENTS OUR NATION IF IT OFFENDS ANYONE THEN BY ALL MEANS LEAVE
W T F ??? Bastards !!
I hope someone donates the money for his fine. These people are so nitpickie it is stupid. That little flag didn’t hurt one person.