Nickey Crowley says for the last 20 years, he’s flown a gay pride flag outside his home in Holly Park with no issue. Then in September of last year, he received a violation saying that flag did not comply with the rules set out by the homeowners association. “Why now, is my pride flag an […]
Tidewater Landing Veterans Club installs flagpole at clubhouse (DE)
A welcome home can mean a lot of different things to different people, but comfort is one feeling most people seek from their home. Several veterans are residing in Tidewater Landing, a development that recently upgraded the cosmetics and durability of its sign, and felt something else was missing at the entrance to the development: […]
Ohio bill allowing ‘unapproved’ flags in HOA, condo communities called unconstitutional
A dispute over an Israeli flag hanging outside of a New Albany condo is revealing government attempts to block homeowner associations in Ohio from banning certain flags. While legal experts say the First Amendment does not apply to an HOA or COA prohibiting some flags from flying, violations do occur when state lawmakers try to […]
New Albany condo owner battles HOA over Israeli flag display amid rising tensions (OH)
Opposition after a condo owner was told to take down the flag of Israel in his New Albany community. The homeowner contacted abc6onyourside.comABC 6 On Your Side Problem Solver Lisa Rantala to say his rights are being violated during these high-tension times. Read the article…………………………..
Wekiva community residents cited for Pride flags want HOA to answer for ‘selective enforcement’ (FL)
Members of the Wekiva Hunt Club Community Association believe HOA rules are unfairly singling them out. The HOA rules dictate what kinds of flags can and can’t go up in the community and residents say those rules are not being applied equally. Wekiva Code says any flag that’s not already approved by the state needs […]
New law protects Thin Blue Line flags after Union County HOA prevented former officer from flying it (NC)
Union County residents now have the right to fly first responder and military flags after a homeowners association asked residents to remove all flags that didn’t represent an official county. Read the article…………………………………….
Flagpole feud in Wildewood V: A family stands firm against HOA for patriotic display (SC)
In the Columbia community of Wildewood V, a flagpole in a family’s front yard has sparked conflict between people on social media. Read the article……………………………
HOAs can’t pick and choose which speech to limit. Ban one flag, ban them all | Opinion (ID)
A homeowners association is facing a lawsuit and a young Idaho family is considering leaving the state because they felt targeted over complaints about their Black Lives Matter flag. Read the article………………………………
They were excited to move to Boise. Now they’re suing their HOA for discrimination (ID)
Moving to Southwest Boise in January 2021 was an opportunity to start a family with his wife, Jenna. They looked forward to becoming a part of the community and the place he remembered so well — with its mountains, rivers and family friends. Read the article…………………………….
Tomball homeowners fly ‘Defund the HOA’ flag after ‘petty’ notice (TX)
The couple said they’ve lived in their neighborhood for more than 20 years, and every baseball season, they fly an Astros flag without any issues. But, after the “Defund the HOA” flag went up, the Slivas said they received a violation notice on Aug. 23, instructing them to “please remove unsightly items from public view. […]
Another resident hit with flag violation in Union County neighborhood (NC)
Another flag controversy is unfolding in a Union County neighborhood. Earlier this week, WBTV talked to a man in the Holly Park neighborhood in Indian Trail who said his homeowners association told him the Pride flag he has been flying freely outside his home for nearly 20 years violated HOA rules. The fine print in […]
Neighborhood HOA asks man to take down Pride flag in Union County (NC)
Nick Crowley has lived along Council Fire Circle in the Holly Park neighborhood in Indian Trail, flying his Pride flag outside for nearly 20 years. He was surprised to receive a violation from the HOA on Monday stating that he cannot have the flag on his property. Read the article…………………………………….
HOA Q&A: Does Florida law supersede an HOA’s restrictions on having a flagpole on a lot?
Q: I live in a homeowner’s association. I have been thinking of installing a flagpole on my lot and flying various flags. My homeowner’s association has restrictions about flagpoles. But, I heard that the right to have a flagpole and fly certain flags is protected under Florida law. Is this true? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Can a Homeowner Association Prohibit Political Yard Signs? (WA)
Every election cycle, homeowners often wonder if it is constitutional for their homeowner association (HOA) to require the removal of a lawn sign supporting a political candidate, especially if they suspect it is due to personal bias from a board member. The answer lies in understanding the First Amendment and the nature of community associations. […]
Portage resident files suit claiming political flag with expletive outside his home is not obscene (IN)
A Portage resident has filed a federal lawsuit claiming the city of Portage is trying to infringe on his rights to free speech by ordering him to remove a flag that contains a profane word directed at President Joe Biden and a local homeowners association. Read the article………………………..
U.S. Flag Rule for New Housing Development Explained by Founder (NC)
A new housing development in Gastonia, North Carolina, has drawn attention for reportedly requiring residents who move in to fly the American flag on their front porch in a show of patriotism. Read the article………………………..
HOA Q & A: What are the changes in the law allowing flags to be flown? (FL)
Q: I understand there have been some changes in the laws allowing flags to be flown. Can you explain the new laws? Read the Q&A………………………..
Flying the American Flag this Independence Day
As we prepare for the July 4th holiday, many HOA and condo residents across the country will display the American Flag. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the American flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset and may be displayed during darkness if it’s illuminated. In addition, the flag should not […]
Falmouth mother says she’s not taking down her Pride flags despite complaint (ME)
Brooke Hackett said the homeowners association told her all signs and flags are banned in her neighborhood, a rule that she says was never enforced until now. Read the article………………………..
House Bill 437 Overrides Certain HOA Flag Rules In Florida
House Bill 437, which Gov. DeSantis recently approved, expands the right of homeowners to display certain flags in Florida regardless of HOA rules. The newly passed law will take effect on July 1. Read the article………………………..
‘Doesn’t make sense’: Condo board, resident embroiled in flag flap (ON)
“Approximately two weeks ago, I installed a Canadian flag upon the clear glass railing of my balcony,” he said. “I am a tenant in this building, subletting my unit from the current landlord.” On June 14, he says received a telephone call from his landlord after they had received an inquiry from Bayshore Property Management, […]
New Florida law expands right to display flags despite rules created by local HOAs
Starting July 1, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill increasing the number of flags homeowners can display regardless of rules created by the homeowners’ association. Read the article………………………..
Another New Law: HB437 (FL)
I can’t tell you how may fights I have been involved in regarding flags other than the U.S. flag flying above someone’s home and the fact that someone put down fake grass or stored a boat, that nobody can see, in their backyard. Well, here’s a new statute that solves both of those problems: Read […]
Queen Creek couple fights back against HOA and neighbors over Pride flag (AZ)
In their Queen Creek backyard, you can see Tim and Jared Deluca’s Pride flag waving in the wind. It’s been up since December but the one you see now is far from the original. “This is the original Pride flag that we put up,” Jared Deluca said while holding up their first Pride flag. “They […]
The Flag Code Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1
The Flag Code, Title 4, United States Code, Chapter 1 As Adopted by the National Flag Conference, Washington, D.C., June 14-15, 1923, and Revised and Endorsed by the Second National Flag Conference, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1924. Revised and adopted at P.L. 623, 77th Congress, Second Session, June 22, 1942; as Amended by P.L. 829, […]
Can a Michigan Condominium or Homeowners Association Ban a Thin Blue Line Flag?
Although the history of the term “thin blue line” can be traced back to the mid-1800s, the term gained national popularity in the 1950s through Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Parker’s statement that the Los Angeles Police Department was the thin blue line that acted as a barrier between law and order on one side […]
Getting “Flag Ready” for the Fourth of July (FL)
Flags serve as a powerful symbol of a nation, its ideals, and its people, and their display is community associations is addressed under State law. Read the article………………………..
How Should Community Associations Handle Flags?
Flags are a tough issue for any association looking to promote a tidy, unified curb line. Flags tend to make homes stand out from one another, and some cross the neighborhood style-guide into gaudiness or are so large that they overwhelm the rest of the landscaping. Read the article………………………..
Problems With a U.S. Flag
A news item about a former police officer flying an American flag with a blue stripe (for “Blue Lives Matter”) being asked to take it down by his HOA, is making the rounds of various sites. The original news article and the other sites are basically condemning the HOA for it’s request. The articles usually […]
Flag flareup offers a reminder about the power of HOAs (SC)
Some of the most intrusive, micro-managing local governments aren’t actually local governments at all but rather private associations many people join, with varying degrees of awareness, when they buy a new home. Read the article………………………..
Waxhaw HOA’s flag rule upsets local police officers (NC)
Rules over flying flags in a Waxhaw community has some in the neighborhood at odds. A police officer says he’s never had issues hanging his American flag with a thin blue line until now. Read the article………………………..
HOA bars Mount Pleasant man from flying Ukrainian flag. Is this policy ‘selective?’ (SC)
The dual U.S. and Ukrainian citizen removed the flag after receiving a “courtesy notice” April 3 from the homeowners association, according to documents shared with The Post and Courier. The notice, citing the community’s governing documents, asked Sereda to “please display only the American flag.” Noncompliance would lead to fines, it warned. Read the […]
Florida bill would stop HOAs from prohibiting displays of certain flags on homes
A Florida bill protecting homeowners’ right to fly certain flags outside of their homes cleared its second Senate committee Wednesday morning. In 2017 Action News Jax brought you the story of a homeowner in St. Johns County who was told by their homeowner’s association, they had to take down the Thin Blue Line flag displayed […]
Ohio lawmakers revive bill to protect ‘thin blue line’ flag
Ohio lawmakers have revived legislation to allow a Pataskala man to fly his “thin blue line” flag scot-free. For nearly six years, Thomas DiSario has proudly flown the striped flag at his Pataskala home in honor of his late son, former Kirkersville police chief Steven DiSario, who was shot and killed in May 2017 while […]
HOA residents may soon be able to fly the Betsy Ross flag (AZ)
State lawmakers have decided that some flags matter more than others. On a party-line vote Thursday, the House agreed to allow residents who live in communities governed by homeowners’ associations to fly the Betsy Ross flag, regardless of existing rules. That’s the flag that existed at the time of the American Revolution, with 13 stars […]
Florida Republicans want to legalize ‘Back the Blue’ flags for homeowners with HOAs
A bill began advancing Monday in the Florida House that would expand the number of flags that residents can display regardless of homeowners associations’ covenants or bylaws. Read the article………………………..
Florida Lawmakers Could Revamp HOA Flag Rules
A bill began advancing Monday in the Florida House that would expand the number of flags that residents can display regardless of homeowners associations’ covenants or bylaws. Read the article………………………..
Hot Topic Alert: Flags in Arizona HOAs and Condos
Flying flags in Arizona HOA and condo associations is a hot topic in Arizona this week! Between the pending flag bills currently in the Arizona Legislature and a recent news story and TikTok Video regarding homeowners in Queen Creek wanting to fly or hang a Pride flag on their property, it is a good time […]
Veteran fights to display US flag (NM)
An Albuquerque man who fought for our flag, in a new fight to fly it. Jon Barrie’s homeowner’s association, fining him for having the American flag on his house. Barrie’s lawyer reached out to KOAT for help with his issue. Read the article………………………..
‘A direct attack on me’: HOA says it mistakenly asked Austin man to take pride flag down (TX)
Grant is happy he won’t have to take his flag down if he’s able to get the Architectural application submitted. But, since he’s renting his home, he’ll have to go through a more extensive process. The homeowner will have to be the one to submit that application. Read the article………………………..
The National Police Association Files Lawsuit Against Home Owner Association for Making Father Remove Thin Blue Line Flag Flown in Honor of His Fallen Officer Son
The National Police Association announced today they have filed suit against a second Ohio HOA for threatening a homeowner for flying a Thin Blue Line flag. Read the article………………………..
Facing fines, lawsuit, father of slain Kirkersville Police Chief takes down ‘thin blue line’ flag (OH)
In May of 2022, Disario received a letter from the OMNI Community Association Managers on behalf of his HOA saying the thin blue line flag was “a political statement,” which went against the deed he agreed to and signed. Read the article………………………..
Board may promulgate rule barring flags that are not otherwise protected by HOA Act (FL)
Our HOA governing documents are silent on the issue of whether or not flying flags are allowed. Our board last night passed a rule prohibiting any flag other than those cited in the Florida Statute Section 720.304(2)(a). The board said it is allowed to pass policies and procedures changes because they are not part of […]
CAI Adopts New Public Policy on the Regulation of Political and Noncommercial Signs and Flags
Election season is here across the U.S., which often puts the subject of political sign regulations at the forefront of discussions between community association leaders and residents, legislators, and the media. This week, the CAI Board of Trustees adopted the Political and Noncommercial Signs and Flags Public Policy to help CAI’s state legislative action committees […]
Sign, Sign, Everwhere a Sign…..In My Association
Every year, usually around election season, the signs come out. Let’s discuss some recurring sign issues that pop up (pun intended) in community associations year after year. Read the article………………………..
Can Homeowners Be Asked To Remove American Flag In HOA Communities?
If homeowners have been asked to remove the American flag in HOA communities, trouble can follow. For homeowners associations, it is important to act with caution when it comes to flag rules, especially on appropriate holidays. Read the article………………………..
Flags, signs can lead to fines: What to know this election (CO)
Whether it’s a flag or a political sign, what you display outside of your home could cause trouble, and not just with the neighbors. It’s important to know what’s legal, especially with weeks to go before the Nov. 8 election. Read the article………………………..
Olathe homeowners appeal HOA decision barring flying American flag (KS)
An Olathe, Kansas couple’s love of America and the Kansas City Chiefs has them facing unknown fines from their HOA. They’ve been told they can’t fly either flag in their backyard. Since the flag flap started the Clarks have learned though Chiefs and other flags are banned by the HOA, American flags are not. Read […]
HB2010: Flags; Homeowners’ Associations (AZ)
On March 30, 2022, Governor Ducey signed HB2010: FLAGS; HOAs into law which adds a new section to the Planned Communities Act (A.R.S. Section 33-1261 and 33-1808). This new law applies to both planned communities and condominiums and will become effective on September 24, 2022. Read the article………………………..
7 Takeaways from a Story of a Homeowner Refusing to Remove a Flagpole
One of the hottest topics when it comes to HOA rules has to do with displaying the American flag. Typically, the issue isn’t whether the flag can be displayed – your right to display the American flag is protected by Federal law – but rather how the flag is being displayed. And it’s this issue […]