Florida homeowner catches HOA officer taking photos in her yard, prompting heated confrontation

A Florida homeowner is speaking out after a dispute over her fence led to an unexpected visit from a security officer, who she said entered her yard to take photographs without notifying her.

Here's what to know

Summer (@fiveminutesfromdisney), a content creator on TikTok, added mesh to an iron fence to keep her dogs apart from a neighbor's dogs. She described her neighborhood as a "strict HOA community," where vinyl fencing is prohibited.

As The Nerd Stash detailed, the security officer stopped at Summer's fence to photograph the mesh after crossing her yard toward the back of the house. She said she watched him from a window.

Summer said a knock on the door could have made a difference. She objected to the officer entering her property without identifying himself or letting her know about the inspection.

Her husband demanded that the officer leave. He said, "Get off my property; you have no business being here."

The officer left with the photographs for the association after explaining that the HOA had sent him to investigate and take pictures.

More background

Summer said she had started seeing security officers deliver violation notices door to door, a task previously handled by HOA members. She noticed that change before the fence encounter.

Across the country, HOAs have also prevented householders from making money-saving updates, including adding rooftop solar panels and native plant lawns. In Summer's case, the restriction on vinyl fencing prompted her to add mesh to the permitted iron fence to keep the dogs apart, even though it was technically against HOA rules.

What can be done?

Summer emailed her neighborhood's HOA president with findings from her research into Florida HOA and property laws following the encounter.

"It is probably illegal for you to come through my front yard directly up to my fence, not telling me that you're going to be there," she said.

She said she also intended to share her research with local police.

Where can I learn more?

Summer's fence dispute echoes other homeowners' frustrations with HOA rules about their property. 

• Florida homeowners sued their HOA over a $13,000 roof bill after payment preceded a vote.

• A Florida HOA demanded residents replace dead swale trees, but homeowners said they occupied common areas.

• In Texas, a first-time homebuyer was told to remove a six-car driveway the HOA had flagged.

• A homeowner hung white towels to reduce heat, but the HOA ordered them down two days later.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.