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
We just moved to jacksonville and we’re looking at condos to buy. We viewed one at this and other neighborhoods and found that we don’t want a condo because they are now like living in a third world country filled with foreigners who do not have pride in their living. There are some residents like this man who do, but it is obvious what is happening. A lot of folks who want to bring down those who are content and enjoying their homes claiming it offends them and their customs.
If you don’t like our American customs and culture then don’t come here and don’t try to make Americans give up theirs.
That’s $#%&!@*ed in so many ways!
What had America come to?
I have two veteran sounds, no one better mess with me and my flags!
The son of bitches are here among us…
Muh flag!
Never buy a house with HOA. You’re just asking for people to control you- and you pay for it.
Hold the line
This is bull$#%&!@*
In fl there almost all part of a hoa but this is bull$#%&!@* sue them in court and win and run against the person who’s president of hoa and get them
HOPE NOT TRUE
This is BULL$#%&!@*!!!!