In a significant legal victory for free speech advocates, a Florida homeowner, known for his staunch support of President Donald Trump, has successfully challenged Walton County over fines related to his pro-Trump banners.
Marvin Peavy, the homeowner in question, had been displaying large banners on his property along County Road 30A, resulting in more than $60,000 in fines from the county. The county's code compliance officials had deemed these banners a violation of the scenic corridor code, following a complaint from a resident, as reported by WJHG.
According to Breitbart, Peavy's refusal to remove the banners led to a daily fine of $50, which he contested on the grounds of his First Amendment rights. "Their laws cannot supersede my First Amendment right, so they came after my constitutional rights which they cannot do. It woke me up as a patriot," Peavy expressed to NewsChannel 7 in November.
He further emphasized his satisfaction with the legal process, stating, "Im very happy that they came after me and I woke up, Ive got great lawyers. We feel very good about whats going on. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that you can have signs on your home. They cannot do anything about it."
Since 2020, Peavy has adorned his property with various banners, including messages such as "Trump 2020," "Trump Now, Trump Won," "You Missed Trump 2024," and "Bulletproof." His legal team argued that Walton County's actions were not only a breach of his First Amendment rights but also an example of selective enforcement of the county code. They further contended that the county mishandled violation hearings and notices.
On March 5, a circuit court judge ruled in favor of Peavy, allowing him to continue displaying his banners. By November 2024, Peavy's fines had accumulated to $63,000, as the scenic corridor code permits political banners only during election years, imposing fines 15 days post-election.
"First Judicial Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Lewis ruled that no fines or liens shall be assessed, asserted, collected, or established against the property," the report states. Additionally, the judge mandated that Walton County cover Peavy's $42,000 in legal fees and fines within ten days.
This case underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between local regulations and constitutional rights, with Peavy's victory serving as a reminder of the enduring power of the First Amendment in safeguarding individual freedoms.
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