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 isn’t America the one that was established Under God and liberty and freedom! That’s wrong what they are doing. He should be allowed to have a flag anywhere he wants to put it ! What is this America coming to?!!
I also have one flying in a hanging flower basket. My condo hasn’t said anything yet. But, I noticed my new Korean neighbor now keeps her blinds closed, which faced the hanging basket. She must be offended.
Time to do away with the homeowner’s association I reckon!
That’s criminal then I would put a 20 x 30 foot outside my home. What other flags are flying. Islamic
screw them if they don’t like America they can get the hell out
tell the idiot’s this is America & our flag is our symbol , displaying our flag is not a crime – what is a crime is you idiots out there causing problems – if you do not like our flag then get the hell out of our country !!!!!!
What the hell is happening? Have always appreciated the American sense of allegiance and honoring their country and have been telling my wife that the USA is the most patriotic nation on Earth!
Something’s not right with America right now! What a shame!
That is his right he fought for the right to fly a flag where ever he wants to
now do you get it? who he is?
This is total BULLSH**!
STAND YOUR GROUND SIR! SALUTES TO YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!