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
If they can take his property without due process, they story does not go into any legal rulings on His right to or not to display an American Flag. The thought of an organization stating you owe us money, therefore we are taking your Property, without due process is scary at best. Best not to join a HOA in the first place. Should be some legal way to withdraw or dissolve an HOA. That is what people need to look into. Maybe forcing them to buy the homes of owners no longer wanting to live under an Organization that disrespects the rights of those who live in the community with them.
every neighbor should put out a flower pot with a flag in show of support.
so sad,,,,,,,,,,what is becoming of people that they do things like this,,,,,,,,,sad.
Fight it !!!!
Fight it all the way!!!!
It’s getting harder to be an American in America.
So sad!!! Where are the Veterans RIGHTS & our Gov’t wants to let millions of illegals live here & receive everything FREE!!!
This is outraheous.
How sad,, I would fight it and sue !!!!!
Let’s see if this makes national new’s..