Q: I continue to send emails to our management company regarding that there are several homeowners in our community who are displaying the American flag without the knowledge or etiquette as how to fly the flag. If the American flag is flown during night it must be properly illuminated. They are flying in the dark. […]
Myrtle Beach resident says HOA demanded he take flags down in sunroom without explanation (SC)
A Myrtle Beach resident says his homeowners association demanded without any explanation that he remove seven flags that hang inside his sunroom. Larry Lang moved into The Isles at Bella Vita in May 2023 and hung up the flags on his screened-in porch a month later. No one said anything about it until recently, a […]
Can an HOA prohibit the American flag from being hung upside down? (AZ)
Question: One of our neighbors flies the “upside down” flag on his roof. At our last social gathering by the swimming pool, there was a loud argument and almost a fistfight about this flag. Our homeowner association board of directors now wants to prohibit all political flags except the Stars and Stripes. Would that prohibition […]
Ohio bill allowing ‘unapproved’ flags in HOA, condo communities called unconstitutional
A dispute over an Israeli flag hanging outside of an Ohio condo is revealing government attempts to block homeowner associations in the state 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 […]
Can an HOA prohibit the American flag from being hung upside down?
Question: One of our neighbors flies the “upside down” flag on his roof. At our last social gathering by the swimming pool, there was a loud argument and almost a fistfight about this flag. Our homeowner association board of directors now wants to prohibit all political flags except the Stars and Stripes. Would that prohibition […]
Chestnut Grove kick-starts outdoor American flag display tradition (PA)
The Chestnut Grove senior condominium complex came alive with the colors red, white and blue on Friday, Nov. 8 — three days in advance of Veterans Day. Nearly 500 miniature American flags lined the entrance to the neighborhood as part of a display organized by the complex’s homeowners’ association. Of those, 96 or 97 flags […]
Avon Lake neighborhood residents oppose HOA’s policy prohibiting flags (OH)
A September change to a homeowners association rules regarding flags and signs residents can post has divided the community and proved costly for at least one resident. The association representing Belden Point in Avon Lake made the change Sept. 12 — banning the flying of any flags, signs or messaging for social causes and allowing […]
Patriotism in practice: Neighbors navigate flag display rights in Arizona
It’s not unusual to fly an American flag during national holidays or during election season, but how much can your flag be regulated by where you live? According to state law, community associations in Arizona, which can be a planned community or a condominium project, may not prohibit the display of certain flags. Read the […]
Tis the Season for Political Expression Within HOA Communities (CA)
QUESTION: One of our owners is displaying four (4) upside flags in front on her unit. All owners view the flags. This came about the day after Trump’s conviction, so it is politically motivated. Your advice please!! Read the Q&A………………………………..
Caughlin Ranch community divided over new HOA proposals on flags and holiday decor (NV)
The Caughlin Ranch Homeowners Association rewrote its rules and regulations to propose only allowing holiday decorations that are recognized federally or by the state of Nevada. It also proposed that only American or military flags be flown, unless other flags or decor are approved by the board. But now, after some residents’ push-back, the proposals […]
HOA Board Proposes Controversial Restrictions on Flag and Sign Display (FL)
A local homeowners’ association is facing backlash from residents over proposed restrictions on flag and sign display. The controversial changes, set to be voted on at the upcoming HOA Board Meeting on October 15th, would significantly limit the types of flags and signs residents can display on their properties. Read the article…………………………….
Can you fly the American flag at your condo?
He wanted to fly the American flag on his balcony. His condo association said ‘Do it and we’re gonna fine you.’ Can you ban the American flag? Well, one patriotic South Floridian reached out to Help Me Howard with Patrick Fraser. The American flag. Displayed at businesses, government offices, homes, and then Juan put his […]
How to light a flagpole – all you need to know to obey the US Flag Code
Lots of people have the stars and stripes on display outside their homes to show their patriotism. It’s a common sight in front yards across the country, whether hanging from a tall garden flagpole or a short one on the porch. Many people leave their flags out 24/7 as decor. However, they don’t light up […]
Why Planting Political Signs or Flags on Your Property Could Backfire—With Your HOA, Neighbors, and Beyond
With a high-stakes presidential election less than three months away, voters are expressing their enthusiasm for Team Trump or Team Harris with political signs, flags, and banners of all sizes in their front yards. But many are learning the hard way that displaying your political leanings can backfire—badly. Read the article…………………………….
Who decides what flags can fly in a neighborhood with a homeowners association? (FL)
Question: Many of my neighbors in my adult community are displaying a flag that, to me, represents hatred and intolerance. What, if anything, can be done to prevent the display of this flag in the community? I do not see anything in the rules on this subject. Read the Q&A………………………………..
Which Flag Can You Fly? (FL)
We all know that the statutes for both condos and HOAs state that owners may display a United States flag in a respectful way, and on certain other days, flags that represent the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard, regardless of any provisions in the governing documents dealing […]
Flying Flags in Arizona’s Community Associations
As many of Arizona’s community associations may know, Arizona law provides that community associations may not prohibit the display of certain flags. The applicable statutes are A.R.S. § 33-1808(A) and (B) for planned communities, and A.R.S. § 33-1261(A) and (B) for condominiums. Read the article…………………………….
Watertown neighbors raise their new flag on Independence Day (SD)
The neighbors around the pond needed approval from the Homeowners Association before putting in the flagpole, but now that the flag is up and flying, they will be donating it back to the HOA so that it can keep flying the star-spangled banner. After the HOA approved their flagpole on May 29th, the original plan […]
Your July 4th decorations likely violate US flag code. How to properly care for the flag
The Fourth of July, come rain or shine in Indiana, happens Thursday. By now you might be stocking up on American flag-themed paper plates, napkins, T-shirts, swimsuits and the like. If so, congratulations! You’re violating the flag code. Read the article…………………………….
We’re free to hang American flags upside-down. But it’s against what it stands for.
(NOTE: this op/ed does not address the fact that community associations, while they cannot prohibit flying the U.S.flag, can place restrictions on it) The kerfuffle this week over an upside-down American flag hanging in the yard of Sarasota Memorial Hospital board member Victor Rohe, was the latest instance of an inverted display of our national […]
Flying the American Flag On Memorial Day and Flag Day
The unofficial start of summer is here. As we prepare to observe Memorial Day—a day to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military—many HOA and condo residents across the country will display the American flag. According to the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the American flag should be flown at half-staff […]
Peace flag defender sparks online debate: The Ridge at Eagle Crest bans all flag displays but the Stars and Stripes (OR)
The Eagle Crest area west of Redmond is home to seven neighborhoods’ homeowners associations, one of which recently sparked debate by moving to ban the display outside homes of all flags except the US flag. Read the article…………………………….
Navigating Election Year in Your Community
Maintaining harmony within your community can be difficult during the best of times. But when election season rolls around, things can get especially tricky. With emotions running high and a wide variety of opinions among homeowners in your neighborhood, keeping things peaceful can feel like a true challenge. During these times, clear community guidelines can […]
‘Sick to my stomach’: Neighbors demand answers from HOA over flag violations (NC)
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 […]
765 ILCS 605/18.6 & 765 ILCS 160/1-70: A guide to displaying an American or Military flag in an Illinois Community Association
Can your HOA’s restrictive covenants or condominium documents ban flags? The ability to ban flags in community associations has become controversial in recent years. In many states, there have been news articles, and even lawsuits, involving owners who have encountered issues displaying political flags, thin-blue line flags, or flags from other countries. Generally, a community […]
‘Sick to my stomach’: Neighbors demand answers from HOA over flag violations (NC)
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, […]