They Put Up a Pride Flag. A Homeowners’ Group Said Take It Down.
The Eastland Cove Homeowners Association in Broward County, Fla., said it was not on a list of approved flags. A couple face an initial fine of up to $50.
Mike Ferrari and Bob Plominski have lived in Eastland Cove, a small suburban development north of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for about 10 years. “We call it our little oasis,” Mr. Ferrari said.
Over the years, he said, the couple have flown various flags outside their home in Oakland Park, including flags for political candidates, the March for Our Lives and the Pride flag.
No one had ever complained, he said, until this month when the couple hung a small rainbow flag from their mailbox to celebrate Pride Month.
A few days later, on June 8, Mr. Ferrari said, the couple received a notice from the Eastland Cove Homeowners Association warning that they could be fined if the flag was not removed. Homeowners can display only the flags of the United States, the state of Florida or the branches of the armed forces, or the P.O.W./M.I.A. flag, according to a copy of the notice. The couple could face a fine of up to $50 and then a daily fine of $10 if they do not comply within 30 days, under the association’s covenants.
Bob Brosseau, president of the board of the Eastland Cove Homeowners Association, said someone had complained to the board about the rainbow flag, leaving it no choice but to enforce its rules against flying flags other than those the association allows.
