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
Hang in there HOA DON’T HAVE THAT MUCH POWER.
omg
Very sad! Didnt China buy the bad mortgage problem a few years ago? Do they own our banks and houses or what? Whats going on here???!!!
There is NO CLUB !!You get a lawyer!
I do not think all the facts are reported…
However there are several places you are not allowed to fly flags or banners except on certain days. That’s in your deed.. its not about being unpatriotic its about people flying flags and them becoming in ill repair.. and being an eye sore
Morality versus legality. It would be interesting if veteran bikers were to repeatedly patrol this entire neighborhood around the clock for a couple months, just to make sure everyone was safe and secure. Eventually, people who made poor decisions about the really important things in life here in this “quaint” community might have time and desire to reconsider some of their decisions.
We need to help him defend his rights!
What about the flag being upside down in the background of the interview? Real patriotic !!
Linda Spurlock.. Marialynn Mccain …
There are several places you can not fly ANY flag. Its been that way for 30 years plus.
Several upscale housing areas do not allow flags or banners. Its in your deed…
Its not about patriotism. ..
Its about eye sores.. people allow them to get in bad shape…etc
f#ck HOA’s and f#ck Marxist liberals!!! people should be encouraged to fly the American Flag not discouraged!