Barbara Billiot Stage

The Florida Bar  # 0042467

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Q. Facing eviction from mobile home park without lease agreement; landlord accused of accepting bribes. What are my rights?

March 26, 2025

A: I'm sorry to tell you this but you are a month-to-month tenant if you have no lease. You need to consult with a landlord/tenant lawyer right away to review the eviction notices are valid. This is not a problem you can resolve with internet advice and time is of the essence. If you were given notices to cure and did not cure the violations this is a big issue. The allegations of bribes is one that would need to be proven with evidence.

If the eviction is granted you would need to move your mobile home or pay storage fees, which is usually higher than the rent.

Q. Are political flags considered political signs under our association's deed restrictions?

March 24, 2025

A: That's a question for the association's attorney. I have always taken the position that if it has words on it the classification would be it's a sign, similar to a banner. Also, the only flags that are protected under Chapter 720, if you are a mandatory homeowners' association, are the US, Florida, military and first responder flags.

I have heard the opposite arguments and there is no case law (court rulings) on this issue that have been published to my knowledge. In my opinion it is questionable how a court would decide this issue and a lot depends on how the arguments are presented to the court.

Q. Flag display limits on residential property in Florida HOA

March 18, 2025

A: Florida Statute Section 720.304(2)(a) allows you to fly up to two (2) flags that are no larger than 4.5' x 6'. They can be a US flag, Florida flag, POW-MIA flag, first responder flag, or any US military flag. The 20' flagpole is the maximum height allowed. This has been a Florida law for about two decades. New types of flags were added a couple of years ago but the US flag and POW-MIA flag have been in the statute for quite some time.

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