Residents Complain Selective Enforcement of Flag Rules In Wekiva HOA

Residents of a homeowners association in Florida believe that there has been selective enforcement of flag rules. This comes after their HOA dealt them citations for displaying Pride flags.

Is There Selective Enforcement of Flag Rules?

Residents of the Wekiva Hunt Club Community Association feel that the HOA rules unfairly target them. These rules specify which flags the community permits residents to fly. Residents argue that their HOA is practicing selective enforcement of flag rules.

According to the Wekiva Code, any flag not already approved by the state requires pre-approval from the HOA board. State flags, military flags, and American flags are acceptable under these rules. However, Pride flags are among those that require pre-approval.

Despite the rules, the neighborhood currently has various sports and holiday flags on display. Internal HOA records for 2023, though, reveal that Pride flags made up the majority of citations for rule violations. As of September, seven homes faced citations, and six of them had Pride flags on their properties.

Some residents are now demanding accountability from the board, citing “selective enforcement” since not every flag in the community has received a violation notice.

The HOA’s Response

Wekiva Community resident Carolyn Wallick, who received a citation in August for displaying a Pride flag without prior approval, expressed concerns to the HOA, emphasizing the desire for equal enforcement or a rule change.

When contacted for comment, the HOA responded through its attorney, stating, “Based on the concerns raised by the members, the Board intends to review the current rules and determine whether any changes need to be made.” A letter from the HOA informed residents that the board would be revisiting flag rules in an upcoming meeting.

The HOA attorney also mentioned that the association investigates both resident complaints and reports from community inspectors to ensure compliance throughout the neighborhood.