An Oakland Park, Florida homeowners association fined a couple for displaying a small pride flag in their front yard.
Bob Plominski and Mike Ferrari were given the citation on June 5 by the Eastland Cove Homeowners Association. The couple told NBC Miami that they were confused by the fine.
“I got upset. We’ve done this before, and it’s a simple showing of our pride to the community, and it’s up for 30 days,” Plominski told the outlet. “We were in shock they were going to do that.”
The HOA told the couple the flag would need to be removed by June 15 or face a $50 fine daily. However, the couple said they will not be taking the flag down until June 30.
The president of the HOA, Bob Brusseau, told NBC News the citation was sent after a complaint was received from an association member that the flag did not fall within the neighborhood’s guidelines. The only types of flags approved for display are the United States or military flags.
“It’s in the document, and you can be sued,” he said. However, the fines won’t actually be enforced until 30 to 40 days from their issuing date.
But, Brusseau said he would personally vote against any fines. He and another board member initially declined to pursue the issue, but three other board members chose to.
