A South Florida couple is facing multiple fines for displaying a small LGBTQ Pride flag in their front yard. Bob Plominski and Mike Ferrari of Oakland Park, Fla., said that the Eastland Cove Homeowners Association sent them a violation notice on June 5, ordering the flag to be removed within 10 days. Read the entire […]
Know before you fly: Not all flags are treated equally under the law
Flag Day, held annually on June 14 since 1916, celebrates the history and traditions of the U.S. as Americans proudly display the Star-Spangled Banner. For those who live in community associations, it’s important to know how to properly fly a U.S. flag under the law and review a community’s rules on its display. Read the […]
Pride Month. Flag Day. What to know about community association flag displays.
June is Pride Month. This year, President Joe Biden has called upon Americans to recognize the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, to celebrate their diversity, and for those who support LGBTQ+ rights to wave their pride flags high. Read the entire article……………………………….
Time To Update Your Sign ands Flag Rules (CO)
HB 1310 has been making its way through the legislative process and Passed 3rd Reading in the Senate on June 10, 2021 with no amendments. This means the bill will be, if not already, sent to the Governor for signature. How will this bill impact associations? For one, it will require current rules pertaining to […]
Wisconsin homeowners asked to take down Pride flag, find creative way to show support
A Homeowner Association told a home in Wisconsin to take down its Pride flag, but that did not stop the homeowners from finding a rule-following way to show their support. According to a Reddit post, following a decision by the HOA to ban all flags except the U.S. flag, a home was asked to take […]
A SWFL veteran honors his fellow soldiers with yard signs and now he’s being fined (FL)
A community is rallying behind a SWFL veteran now that he’s being asked to remove his yard signs. These signs show support for his fellow veterans. He’s being charged $50 for every day those signs remain posted. A letter from The Rotonda West HOA says that veteran, Larry Altenburg had until may 26, not even […]
Montco Family Told By Homeowners Assoc To Take Down American Flag (PA)
A family in Montgomery County is looking to fight back after a local homeowners association told them to take down a flag pole waving the American flag in front of their house. The flag pole is on common ground near their unit, according to a letter sent by the Galman Group, which owns the Indian […]
Introducing HB 21-1310 – Homeowners’ Association Regulation Of Flags and Signs (CO)
On May 10, 2021, HB 21-1310 was introduced in the House and assigned to the Transportation & Local Government Committee for review. The bill’s main purpose is to broaden protections for homeowners’ “freedom of expression” in common interest communities under the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (“CCIOA”) by changing how signs and flags are currently […]
Veteran in Austin takes on HOA over flying his American flag (TX)
The HOA says the larger issue with flags came up when people were putting up political flags leading up to the election – which the HOA does regulate. These Avery Ranch residents believe they have every right to fly their American flags in front of their homes no matter where it is. They point to […]
Condo Q&A (FL)
Q: Can a condominium association stop a unit owner from displaying an American flag from inside of an enclosed lanai? Read the Q&A………………………………….
What kind of flag can I fly outside my house? (CO)
David Pendery’s rainbow pride flag had only been waving outside his house for a few days when a letter arrived ordering him to take it down. Pendery, 44, a marketing executive, lives with his husband and their two children in Arapahoe County, Colorado. When he hung up the flag at the end of August 2020, […]
HOA changed rules after Black Lives Matter flag clash, homeowner says (TX)
“I feel like they made a whole new policy based on my yard,” said Gloria. She’s referring to the Hearthstone Homeowner’s Association. In early March, management sent out new flag and sign rules that state the association can enter a lot and remove any sign, banner or flag that isn’t on the approved list or […]
How the Idea for the American Flag Drop-Off Box Got Rolling in Tamarac
Thanks to one community association that heard our proposal back in 2015, a flag drop-off box has been located in the city for a patriotic place to dispose of damaged or tattered flags for retirement. Read the article…………………………………..
Fargo man told to take American flag down because it’s too noisy in the wind (ND)
A rippling American flag is at the center of a controversy for a Fargo condo association. Andrew Almer has flown his flag proudly from his balcony for the last two years. Read the article…………………………………
Littleton Couple & Neighbors Support Voting For A Change To HOA’s Flag Policy (CO)
The kerfuffle over a Black Lives Matter flag hung outside a Littleton home started in early February when Kara and Ben Wilkoff’s HOA sent them a letter telling them to take it down. “Literally the statement is ‘flag is not approved,’” said Ben. Read the article…………………………………
Man Sues Arapahoe County HOA Over Pride Flag, BLM Sign (CO)
The controversy over metro Denver homeowners’ associations banning residents from displaying Black Lives Matter flags and other humanistic signage has been raging in recent weeks. And now, a lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Colorado takes the matter into a new realm: the federal judicial system. Read the article……………………………….
Thin Blue Line Flag Joins Littleton Black Lives Matter HOA Fight (CO)
Kara and Ben Wilkoff’s fight for the right to display a Black Lives Matter flag over the objections of the Kensington Ridge/Cobblestone Village homeowners association was headed for a February 27 virtual meeting with the HOA’s board of directors, at which they hoped to find a mutually satisfactory solution. Read the article………………………………..
State law does not have HOA rule on height of flag pole (NV)
Q: I was hoping you could help me. I just joined the board of my HOA and we are having a hard time agreeing on a homeowner’s request to install a flagpole. I feel the homeowner should be able to install a 25-foot flagpole in their front yard, but a couple board members insist that […]
Freedom Isn’t Free: An Indio Man Displayed a Social-Justice Flag Outside His Home for Months—and Then His Homeowners’ Association Got Involved (CA)
The right of all Americans to freely express their views has been at the forefront of our nation’s consciousness over the last turbulent year. However … while the government is not allowed to limit speech (with some exceptions), private entities are (with some exceptions)—and that’s been a tough lesson for Chris Wilson, who lives in […]
Westfield resident wants to share human rights stance on flag (IN)
Westfield resident Lily Shogren wanted to have a sign to display her support of social justice issues at her Oak Manor neighborhood home. The garden flag contains messages such as Black Lives Matter, Women’s Rights are Human Rights, Love is Love and Kindness is Everything. Read the article……………………………….
Littleton HOA’s Bizarre Fight Against Couple’s Black Lives Matter Flag (CO)
Kara and Ben Wilkoff don’t know what to think. Since late last year, the Kensington Ridge/Cobblestone Village Homeowners Association, the HOA for the couple’s Littleton neighborhood, has been trying to force them to take down a Black Lives Matter flag that’s been flying outside their residence for months; on February 1, the HOA put its […]
Cary families say HOA unfairly targeting Trump flags with new rules (NC)
Two families say the homeowners association for their Cary neighborhood is playing politics by banning political flags. Laurie Cherico said her family started flying a flag in September supporting former President Donald Trump’s stances on law and order and the Second Amendment. They received some opposition from the Carolina Preserve HOA, but it faded away. […]
Upside Down American Flags Flying in a Polk County Neighborhood (FL)
Some residents in an Auberndale community are upset, after several homeowners flew the American flag upside down near their homes. Read the article……………………………………….
Wesley Chapel homeowners express concern after HOA sends violation letters (FL)
One local homeowner’s association recently said not so fast to Christmas flags being hung on people’s homes. A couple of homeowners in a Wesley Chapel neighborhood received a letter that said they were in violation of their community’s standards. Read the article……………………………..
Jacksonville man says HOA told him to remove Black Lives Matter flag (FL)
An Arlington man says he’s receiving unfair treatment from his homeowner’s association. Antoine Mickel has lived in the Arlington community for 21 years. He said everyone living in his neighborhood are free to express themselves, flying American flags, seasonal flags and political flags. But he says the moment that he put up his Black Lives […]
Ruskin woman says HOA threatened to fine her $150 a day over ‘Keep America Great’ flag (FL)
Belmont is a sprawling community of new homes in South Hillsborough County. If you zero in on one home on Ivory Drive, you’ll see an American flag flying above another flag with three words. Those three words have caused quite the stir. Read the article……………………………..
Can Political Flags Be Flown? (FL)
Q: I went on a walk in my community and saw at least 8 homes flying either Trump or Biden flags. Is it legal to fly a political flag on a home located in a homeowners association? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Westlake condo association asks resident to remove Trump flag (OH)
A Westlake man said one of his neighbors complained to the management company after he put up a flag supporting President Donald Trump outside his home in the Village Green condominium complex. Read the article………………………………..
Can political flags be flown? (FL)
Q: I went on a walk in my community and saw at least 8 homes flying either Trump or Biden flags. Is it legal to fly a political flag on a home located in a homeowners association? Read the Q&A……………………………..
Political sign with offensive language causing stir in Baton Rouge neighborhood (LA)
Offensive wording printed on a political sign in one Baton Rouge neighborhood is turning heads. The sign shows President Donald Trump dressed as Uncle Sam with the words, “just say no to Joe” and a derogatory word for a promiscuous woman that rhymes with Joe. People who live in the area are upset that families […]
Dissecting the sticky issue of flags, banners and signs in HOA communities
On June 14, 1777, the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia adopted a resolution that “the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” Though the American flag has changed a few times […]
Flag fight: Delaware homeowner at odds with HOA over American flag display (DE)
In one Middletown, Delaware community seemingly crafted in classic Americana displays of Old Glory fit in like pieces of a puzzle. And yet one three by five-foot flag standing at 13 feet in Richard Killingsworth’s backyard in the Parkside development is now under some scrutiny that some fear is dividing the community. Read the article………………………………….
Homeowners: HOAs selectively request removal of social justice signs, flags (GA)
Homeowners in Gwinnett and Cobb County are questioning the changing directives and enforcement surrounding homeowners associations’ stance on social justice signs and flags. The recent denials and requests to remove Black Lives Matter and Pride signs and flags have prompted two Gwinnett homeowners to consider legal action, while both associations point to their rules and […]
Political Flag Controversy in Camden Neighborhood (DE)
This is not a sign. It’s a garden flag.” That’s the argument that Bruce Watson is making, after his Homeowners Association made him remove a garden flag he bought two weeks. It says ‘Trump 2020 Make America Great Again.’ His HOA said that it violates their bylaws, and that it had to be removed or […]
A Gilbert battle over a flagpole resolves just in time for an important date (AZ)
A Gilbert couple went back and forth with the Seville Homeowner’s Association to erect a flagpole and memorial in honor of their son who died in combat. Read the article……………………
Flags and Political Signs in North Carolina HOAs
With the nation preparing for elections in November, community associations are finding themselves in the crosshairs of a debate over when and how free speech may be exercised by residents in their communities. Impassioned residents want to express their opinions through signs, flags, bumper stickers, t-shirts and even sidewalk chalk decorations, and they may run […]
Frequently Asked Questions About Flag Law
The “flag code” is the federal law that sets forth guidelines for the appearance and display of the U.S. flag (“flag”) by private citizens. These guidelines specify times and conditions for display of the flag, manners and methods of display, and buildings where such display should occur. The guidelines for flag display vary based on the context […]
Aurora man disputes HOA fines for flying flags celebrating Black culture (CO)
Shandon Toliver walks his husky “King” around the block of the Copperleaf neighborhood in Aurora, and comes home to a black flag hanging outside his door. The flag depicts two sheathed swords with gold handles and a red star between them, saying “Buffalo Soldiers” in gold on the top and bottom. This isn’t the first […]
Apex woman who worked near 9/11 attacks says homeowner’s association told her to take down flag (NC)
With the anniversary of of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks just days away, people are reflecting on it in their own way, but an Apex woman’s attempts to remember that day have run afoul of her homeowner’s association. Read the text………………………….
Homeowner asked by HOA to take down pro-police flag in Draper neighborhood (UT)
A Utah woman is expressing her frustration after she was asked by a local homeowner’s association to take down her family’s “Thin Blue Line” flag. “It’s awfully convenient that in years past they never have requested this, but this year it’s a big deal,” Aimee Peterson told 2News. Read the article………………………………..
After 2 years, homeowner told to take down US flag adorned with thin-blue line, which honors police (NC)
A retired sheriff’s deputy didn’t see any problem with hanging a U.S. flag with a thin blue line outside his Lancaster County home to show his support for local police. Property management at Tree Tops retirement community told John Nakaji last week to take it down after two years. Read the article…………………………….
SC couple fighting neighborhood HOA over Trump flag (SC)
A Fort Mill family is fighting to keep flying their Trump flag outside their home after they say their HOA told them to take it down. “We love our flag and we love our president,” Sarah Martin said. Read the article………………………………
HOA asks woman to remove flag supporting police (UT)
Last weekend, Aimee Peterson received a letter from her homeowner’s association with a “kind request” — that she remove her Thin Blue Line flag supporting police from her front porch. “It’s convenient that they chose now to enforce it, when we’ve flown this for years and years,” said Peterson. Read the article……………………………..
State laws regulate posting of political signs in communities (NV)
Q: I live in a homeowners association-controlled condo community. Is there a state legal standing on displaying political signs? The management company for our HOA has told me I cannot display any. Read the Q&A………………………
Virginia veteran wins fight with homeowners’ association over flying American flag
A Marine veteran ended up in the middle of a battle he did not expect to be fighting in Virginia: a battle to fly the U.S. flag. Richard Jenkins’ homeowners’ association (HOA) initially wanted him to not only take down his 20-foot flagpole, but the American flag along with it. Read the article…………………………..
Is flag hung upside down ‘disrespectful’ or protected speech about ‘a vessel in distress’?
’Tis the season when campaign signs spring up like weeds after a summer downpour and the boards of homeowner associations with covenants against political proselytizing are busy calling for neighbors to remove them. So Rich Roberts, who lives in The Knolls of Bent Tree Village east of Interstate 75 off Bee Ridge Road, wasn’t surprised […]
HOA will allow Colorado police chaplain to fly ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag
A Colorado police chaplain is now allowed to fly a “Thin Blue Line” flag in front of his house after his homeowners association said it was in the wrong for demanding he take it down. Read the article…………………………….
HOA Homefront: Can communities ban political, patriotic or religious displays? (CA)
Q: We (along with our neighbors) put out candidate and ballot measure signs prior to our elections. We looked into this several years ago and it appears that California law allows all HOA residents to display political signs during elections. However, friends who live in other San Diego County HOAs have told me repeatedly that […]
‘There were no rules:’ Veteran fights homeowners association to keep American flag & pole (VA)
When Richard Jenkins’ son gave him an American flag for Father’s Day, Jenkins had no idea the controversy it would stir……..But Jenkins said the Willow Shade Homeowners’ Association wants him to take the flag down from a 20-foot pole he put in a planter in his front yard. Read the article………………………….
Homeowners in HOA communities can fly U.S. Flag (NV)
Q: I have noticed multiple posts on social media that homeowners associations prohibit the display of the U.S. flag. With the Fourth of July weekend, can you address this. The Display American Flag Act of 2005, signed into law July 24, 2006, and Nevada Revised Statute 116.320 both cover this. I believe the HOAs can […]