Deed Restrictions

[golfer3232]

Has anyone else received a letter from a lawyer that a political sign is a window is a violation of the deed restrictions and if you have what have you done about it.

It is from a lawyer representing The Villages and yes I do have a political sign in my window, but so do many other homes. I guess my real question is have other people received the same type letter. I understand that technically it is a violation of the deed restrictions, but it is OK to run a political message on a flag pole, but not in a window?

[Joe V.]

Has anyone else received a letter from a lawyer that a political sign is a window is a violation of the deed restrictions and if you have what have you done about it.

Who is the lawyer representing?

[Goldwingnut]

Read your deed restrictions, in most areas you are limited to one 12x12 For Sale sign in a front window, nothing else. If you have anything else, you are in violation of the restrictions. This is not a freedom of speach issue, you agreed to giving up this freedom when you purchased your home and agreed to the deed restrictions. Ignorance of what you agreed to is not a defense for these violations.

[retiredguy123]

I think that almost every outside real estate company violates the "for sale" sign rule. They are too large, they often have more than one sign, and they are often placed on the garage door, not inside a window.

[JoMar]

I think that almost every outside real estate company violates the "for sale" sign rule. They are too large, they often have more than one sign, and they are often placed on the garage door, not inside a window.

And evidently everyone is ok with that. Not so much with political signs.

[Stu from NYC]

And evidently everyone is ok with that. Not so much with political signs.

Very interesting.

and just like everyone else around here we did not read the deed restrictions.

[kathyspear]

Has anyone else received a letter from a lawyer that a political sign is a window is a violation of the deed restrictions and if you have what have you done about it.

Wouldn't notices of violations come from TV and not some lawyer? I'm wondering if the letter is from a neighbor (who may or may not be a lawyer him or herself) who doesn't care for your choice of candidate.

kathy

[Bogie Shooter]

Has anyone else received a letter from a lawyer that a political sign is a window is a violation of the deed restrictions and if you have what have you done about it.

Name of lawyer?
Do you have a sign?
What does the letter tell you to do?

Why not call: Community Standards
Phone: 352-751-3912

[EdFNJ]

Has anyone else received a letter from a lawyer that a political sign is a window is a violation of the deed restrictions and if you have what have you done about it. I guess we're one of the few people who actually read deed restrictions BEFORE buying a home here. :) As for what you can do about it depending on the COMPLETE facts and assuming it is from T.V. I would guess your only option is to appeal and then make a legal case out of it but you will likely be SOL.

However without providing details as Mr Bogie suggests like: Name of lawyer? (was it from The Villages?), What does the letter tell you to do? this thread basically just becomes just another generic deed restriction thread because no one really knows the facts behind it. Can't imagine why an outside lawyer would send a letter relating to deed restrictions or if s/he would even have any standing in that matter.

[vintageogauge]

All the violation letters come from an attorney however someone has to turn you in first.

[EdFNJ]

Are retail businesses in the squares also bound by any sort of deed restrictions such as non-business related signs in their windows?

[Joe V.]

Are retail businesses in the squares also bound by any sort of deed restrictions such as non-business related signs in their windows?

What sort of non-business signs are you referring to?

[wisbad1]

More BS, lawyers name?

[SIRE1]

Also, be careful about asking a blanket question about deed restriction. The items in your deed restriction apply to restriction of your CDD district and are not the same across the entire villages. So something that might be acceptable in one Village may not be acceptable in another. You will find that as The Villages grew, a lot more restrictions were added to the newer areas. So the areas north of 466 aren't the same as south of 466, and I suspect that the areas south of 44 may have some differences to those north of 44. Just wait till you see the deed restrictions for those villages that will be eventually built south of I - 4 :icon_wink:

[pauld315]

I think that almost every outside real estate company violates the "for sale" sign rule. They are too large, they often have more than one sign, and they are often placed on the garage door, not inside a window.

Depends on where you live, read the restrictions for your area

[pauld315]

Are retail businesses in the squares also bound by any sort of deed restrictions such as non-business related signs in their windows?

Doubt it but read their deed restrictions if there are any. Remember, all commercial property in the squares is owned by the developer

[tophcfa]

The hypocrisy is unbelievable. People getting called out for a minor deed restriction, yet internal deed restrictions like running an AIRBNB out of a single family home are ignored. Worse yet, residents are required to adhere to strict deed restrictions, but the developer can get zoning approval to dump an apartment complex in a residential neighborhood. Where will it end?

[Stu from NYC]

The hypocrisy is unbelievable. People getting called out for a minor deed restriction, yet internal deed restrictions like running an AIRBNB out of a single family home are ignored. Worse yet, residents are required to adhere to strict deed restrictions, but the developer can get zoning approval to dump an apartment complex in a residential neighborhood. Where will it end?

All you need to do is buy a commissioner or two or three and you can pretty much do as you wish.

[bluecenturian]

Read your deed restrictions, in most areas you are limited to one 12x12 For Sale sign in a front window, nothing else. If you have anything else, you are in violation of the restrictions. This is not a freedom of speach issue, you agreed to giving up this freedom when you purchased your home and agreed to the deed restrictions. Ignorance of what you agreed to is not a defense for these violations.

It’s amazing that so many “tolerant” people are so concerned with what others do in their home/property. I think it’s sad that people waste their time being so overly concerned about signs, yard decor, and other menial nonsense, their lives must be very boring for this to be a priority.

As a veteran I am pretty disappointed in how people today act and their desire to impose THEIR will on others. If it doesn’t directly effect you just keep it moving. You should take a good hard look in the mirror, I’m sure that everyone that wants to play “police” is in fact doing something that offends someone else.

Just do the best you can to live your life with integrity and honor and stop trying to change everyone else. If your good example doesn’t change someone’s actions Athen your reporting them is t going to matter.

Enjoy life and live.

[donassaid]

And what about flying a flag of a political candidate on a flagpole in your yard?

[Mohawksin]

Who is the lawyer representing?

Why is the name of the client relevant?

[cleser]

Owning how divisive the current political climate, I wondering why “neighbors” would display political signs anyway?
I’d like to keep it out of our neighborhood and enjoy each other’s company

[ldovermiller]

It is not the restrictions, it is HOW IT IS ADMINISTERED THAT GETS EVERYONE UPSET!!

[Annie66]

And what about flying a flag of a political candidate on a flagpole in your yard?

Flying a political flag on a flag pole has been upheld as being legal.

Look around, and you'll see a number of political signs, both for Biden and Trump, posted in yards. Those are in violation of deed restrictions in most, and possibly all, CDDs. For me, I'd like to see them removed. With the exception of a very small number of people, signs do not change peoples' minds whether on a golf cart, automobile or lawn.

[Travelhunter]

Very interesting.

and just like everyone else around here we did not read the deed restrictions.

Either did I
Where can I find them?

[Travelhunter]

Has anyone else received a letter from a lawyer that a political sign is a window is a violation of the deed restrictions and if you have what have you done about it.
It’s interesting that the villages will enforce minor transgressions like “sign restrictions” but trample our rights by creating new rules for apartments

[bocaabend]

Ignore it

[Chellybean]

Read your deed restrictions, in most areas you are limited to one 12x12 For Sale sign in a front window, nothing else. If you have anything else, you are in violation of the restrictions. This is not a freedom of speach issue, you agreed to giving up this freedom when you purchased your home and agreed to the deed restrictions. Ignorance of what you agreed to is not a defense for these violations.

Sorry but you didn't give up freedom of speech, Federal and state law preempts anything you signed.
Believe what you want I will not debate this, many of the deed restrictions violate state and federal law and are not enforceable except by intimidation!

[Girlcopper]

Owning how divisive the current political climate, I wondering why “neighbors” would display political signs anyway?
I’d like to keep it out of our neighborhood and enjoy each other’s company
Agree. A sign isnt going to change my vote and I doubt any neighbors really care who you vote for. In todays climate its just antagonistic so dont complain if someone steals it or destroys it. Regardless if its in violation or not, Its tacky looking. No one cares about your political, religious views etc so why do you feel the need to shout it to the world.

[retiredguy123]

Either did I
Where can I find them?
Go to districtgov.org and click on "How do I?".

[Marykschulz]

Political window signs are bad enough. Some people are brazen enough to actually have political yard signs stuck in their front lawns. Rules don’t apply to them.

[Rzepecki]

Check out this memo. It’s taken from Districtgov.org.

https://www.districtgov.org/PdfUpload/Political%20Campaign%20Activities%20Memo%202020.pd f

[Mrprez]

It’s amazing that so many “tolerant” people are so concerned with what others do in their home/property. I think it’s sad that people waste their time being so overly concerned about signs, yard decor, and other menial nonsense, their lives must be very boring for this to be a priority.

As a veteran I am pretty disappointed in how people today act and their desire to impose THEIR will on others. If it doesn’t directly effect you just keep it moving. You should take a good hard look in the mirror, I’m sure that everyone that wants to play “police” is in fact doing something that offends someone else.

Just do the best you can to live your life with integrity and honor and stop trying to change everyone else. If your good example doesn’t change someone’s actions Athen your reporting them is t going to matter.

Enjoy life and live.

Where does it stop? Yard art? Political signs? RVs in the driveway?

[GOLFER54]

Mark it with RETURN TO SENDER and drop it in the mail.

[Roberta Forcina]

There are many signs in windows and on flagpoles. They write a letter about that but allow some individuals to park their carts on the side of the round about with signs that are clearly inappropriate regardless of how one feels. What a joke.

[eyc234]

Where does it stop? Yard art? Political signs? RVs in the driveway?

Keep saying it all the time, people do not know when to stop. Just ride around some of the non deed restricted neighborhoods in the towns nearby and tell me what you see. Those 3 cars in my front yard are art. Oh the blue tarped shade over the dog kennel is okay. There are only a few fence post that are rotten and only one section of the fence is down.

Enforce all the rules and not reading the deed restrictions is each individuals fault. If you do not follow the rules/laws you agreed to when you moved in then you suffer the consequences.

[ScottS]

Exactly someone had to turn them in. I thought we were moving into an adult retirement community, not a preschool day care. Are adults really offended by something as small as a political sign supporting their candidate? Will people soon not be allowed to wear sport team clothing into store or restaurants because adults aren’t adult enough to not be offended by everything? Have we moved into a time where people are so petty and shallow that a political sign sends them into a hold your breath child like fit? 🙁🙁

[transplanted]

So then - why does the Daily Sun put a 'flag' in the paper for you to put in your window, if you can only have a "for sale" sign? Also, when we rented our home out through TV's Hometown Property Management, they said we had to put the house numbers in a window on the front of the house. I realize the numbers are not something that might be considered controversial and are for safety, but when one makes exceptions to 'hard and fast' rules, one sets precedents. Just playing devil's advocate. Personally the only thing I personally have is a miniature flag that I change with the seasons, under a palm tree. And I'm sure it violates something somewhere, but the trolls haven't attacked it yet. I don't personally object to people putting their signs/big flags out between now and the elections - but I don't think it needs to be year round. Personally, I'm leery to do so, having seen the rabid behavior of a few at a recent rally; I don't want any damage to my person or property. My personal opinions only; I realize they aren't binding or necessarily allowable under deed restrictions.

[HappyRetired]

There is information about political signage on the District website districtgov.org Exterior signage is enforced (if necessary) through the Community Standards and your CDD. That being said, it currently refers to north of Rt 44. There may still be Developer enforcement south of Rt 44. But generally, exterior (including exterior windows) restrictions are under CDD enforcement while interior restrictions are "at the discretion of the Developer". Yes, check your particular deed restriction, determine if there is anything regarding interior or exterior restrictions, and know what the signage requirements are. Community Standards can answer questions on specific areas since, as was previously stated, every area is different. Since the Developer doesn't enforce anything north of Rt 466, it seems that he's discriminating in how he treats certain areas. And a sign in a window doesn't appear to be in his interest. Of course, as always, one can be wrong in assumptions.

[merrymini]

It’s amazing that so many “tolerant” people are so concerned with what others do in their home/property. I think it’s sad that people waste their time being so overly concerned about signs, yard decor, and other menial nonsense, their lives must be very boring for this to be a priority.

As a veteran I am pretty disappointed in how people today act and their desire to impose THEIR will on others. If it doesn’t directly effect you just keep it moving. You should take a good hard look in the mirror, I’m sure that everyone that wants to play “police” is in fact doing something that offends someone else.

Just do the best you can to live your life with integrity and honor and stop trying to change everyone else. If your good example doesn’t change someone’s actions Athen your reporting them is t going to matter.

Enjoy life and live.

You signed on to deed restrictions when you bought here. Follow them.

[ronnolder]

I wonder if the powers that be read any restrictions when they decided to put Apartments in a Village area (non-commerical)

[CFrance]

And what about flying a flag of a political candidate on a flagpole in your yard?
By Florida law, TV has no authority to restrict what kind of flag is flown.

[retiredguy123]

Flying a political flag on a flag pole has been upheld as being legal.

Look around, and you'll see a number of political signs, both for Biden and Trump, posted in yards. Those are in violation of deed restrictions in most, and possibly all, CDDs. For me, I'd like to see them removed. With the exception of a very small number of people, signs do not change peoples' minds whether on a golf cart, automobile or lawn.
Signs and flags are two different things under Florida law. Here is a link to the Florida flag law. Some flags are allowed even if they violate a deed restriction, but I don't think the law covers political flags.

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0720/Sections/0720.304.html)

Can you cite a source to support your first sentence?

[Joe V.]

Why is the name of the client relevant?

A person has a right to know who is accusing them. Lawyers do not go around sending letters to people without being hired to do so. Try the 6th Amendment.

[retiredguy123]

By Florida law, TV has no authority to restrict what kind of flag is flown.
Here is a link to the Florida flag law. I don't think it covers political flags. Can you cite a source for your statement?

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0720/Sections/0720.304.html)

[PugMom]

Either did I
Where can I find them?

i must be the odd man out, because reading the entire deed was my 1st project upon arrival. another poster here stated it depends on where you live, & that is true.
we were given a copy upon purchase, go thru your papers, i'm sure it's in there somewhere.( i think if you go to the actual Villages website, they post info re: deeds according to your location) Good Luck!

[Bjeanj]

A person has a right to know who is accusing them. Lawyers do not go around sending letters to people without being hired to do so. Try the 6th Amendment.

You DO know that the “accuser” is your CDD, NOT the person who reported it, right?

It sounds like you want it known who reported the violation, which is not the established process. It doesn’t really matter what you want, that’s what you signed on for when you moved here. If your yard is in violation of the deed restrictions for your property, it doesn’t matter who reported it, right?

[OhioBuckeye]

Has anyone else received a letter from a lawyer that a political sign is a window is a violation of the deed restrictions and if you have what have you done about it.

It is from a lawyer representing The Villages and yes I do have a political sign in my window, but so do many other homes. I guess my real question is have other people received the same type letter. I understand that technically it is a violation of the deed restrictions, but it is OK to run a political message on a flag pole, but not in a window?

Why would anyone care what’s put in your window. So to me it has to be a political party protesting it, why do I care or anybody care what kind of temporary sign I put in my window. Unless you want something. This to me sounds a little fishy!

[retiredguy123]

Some posters have said that a political sign does not change anyone's vote. I disagree. It's advertising. Advertising is an effective way to sell almost anything. And, companies, including political parties, spend billions of dollars on it all the time. If it doesn't work, why would they waste the money?

[Ljaprea]

If it’s from Dzuro and Associates, they are the Villages lawyers for south of 44 I believe. They are responsible for sending out Compliance letters based on complaints made anonymously to the community standards dept.

[chrisinva]

sometimes I put a political sign in the window for a few hours and then take it down....just to mess with people :a040:

[MDLNB]

Flying a political flag on a flag pole has been upheld as being legal.

Look around, and you'll see a number of political signs, both for Biden and Trump, posted in yards. Those are in violation of deed restrictions in most, and possibly all, CDDs. For me, I'd like to see them removed. With the exception of a very small number of people, signs do not change peoples' minds whether on a golf cart, automobile or lawn.


I agree. On the other hand, those signs may trigger someone to ask questions as to why that person supports that candidate, and that could lead to enlightenment and a changed view. Just saying.

[dtennent]

Let's do a little math. The election is about 6 weeks away. If you do nothing, they won't do anything for another 30 days, then it will take them that long to get on any court calendar. By then we will be firmly into the post election blah blahs and you will have taken down your sign. So "they" won't be able to effectively block you from posting your window sign. Having said that, I am firmly in the camp of not posting my political biases because of the current very polarized atmosphere.

[MercerLunatic]

Read the restrictions.
the political flags under the stars and stripes are also illegal, as are the for sale signs in the yards. For sale signs are limited to 12x12 in size and are to be placed in the inside window

[Olsenfiber]

Is there an online link to view all the deed restrictions?

[Dan9871]

Is there an online link to view all the deed restrictions?

Village Community Development Districts (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/download.aspx)

[retiredguy123]

Is there an online link to view all the deed restrictions?
Go to districtgov.org and click on "How do I?".

[WalkerLoop]

You should read your Deed Restriction or just contact Community Standards regarding your lot. My lot allows a single sign, no larger than 24" x 24" to be displayed in a window. It's content is not restricted.

[Topspinmo]

sometimes I put a political sign in the window for a few hours and then take it down....just to mess with people :a040:

Party stooges are so gullible rant they!:faint:

[CFrance]

Here is a link to the Florida flag law. I don't think it covers political flags. Can you cite a source for your statement?

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

(http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0720/Sections/0720.304.html) Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0720/Sections/0720.304.html)
According to the people at Deed compliance (whom I called regarding flags), TV has no authority over what kind of flag is flown. I too didn't think FL law covered political flags, but the powers that be have interpreted it differently at TV.

[PennBF]

"I understand that technically it is a violation of the deed restrictions, ..."These are the Key Word's in the first input to this series of submissions. If you knew what you were doing was not allowed in Deed Restrictions, why did you do it. I have no sympathy for anyone who knowingly violates the rules and then argues for the right to try to sabotage and disregard the regulations that have been in effect for many years and probably long before they came.:ohdear:

[Marshaw]

Everything on a flag pole is sacred.🤗🤗

[Challenger]

And evidently everyone is ok with that. Not so much with political signs.

Im not ok with it or any other violation of deed restrictions.!!!

[Two Bills]

Put a poster up for both candidates.

[golfinglady]

It seems that the letters are only being sent to those with Biden signs in the window. It is a deed restriction that is being selectively managed. Florida's friendliest hometown!!



Has anyone else received a letter from a lawyer that a political sign is a window is a violation of the deed restrictions and if you have what have you done about it.

It is from a lawyer representing The Villages and yes I do have a political sign in my window, but so do many other homes. I guess my real question is have other people received the same type letter. I understand that technically it is a violation of the deed restrictions, but it is OK to run a political message on a flag pole, but not in a window?

[retiredguy123]

It seems that the letters are only being sent to those with Biden signs in the window. It is a deed restriction that is being selectively managed. Florida's friendliest hometown!!
How do you know the letters are based on the sign content? It is a complaint driven enforcement system. If someone complains, the restriction is enforced. Otherwise, it is not enforced. That is the way the deed restriction enforcement system is designed.

[IndianaJones]

Very interesting.

and just like everyone else around here we did not read the deed restrictions.

Here's where you can find them: VCDD Deed Compliance - Sumter County (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/deedrestrict-SumterCounty.aspx)
They're all pretty much the same, but if you go back a few pages on the website, you can find a map where you can pinpoint the location of your home, and the correct district and neighborhood.
Most people quote Article 2. 15, which states, "No sign of any kind shall be displayed to public view on a Homesite or any dedicated or reserved area without the prior written consent of the Developer, except customary name and address signs and one sign advertising a property for sale or rent which shall be no larger than twelve (12) inches wide and twelve (12) inches high and shall be located wholly within the Home and only visible through a window of the Home. Lawn ornaments are prohibited, except for seasons displays not exceeding a thirty (30) day duration." Just FYI.