A retired law enforcement officer from Florida says for many years, his daughter has flown a Blue Lives Matter flag outside her home.

But recently the woman got a letter from her homeowners' association in St Johns County demanding that she take down the banner because it has been deemed racist and offensive.

Jeff Gaddie, the woman's father, says the flag at the center of the controversy was meant to honor him and other family members working in law enforcement.

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Flag controversy: This Blue Lives Matter flag honoring police officers has sparked a racial controversy in one Florida community

Jeff Gaddie, a former law enforcement officer, says his daughter was told to remove the flag after someone complained that it was racist

‘If you drive by and see that flag, it kind of makes you feel a little bit better that there’s a family that supports what I’m doing,’ Gaddie told Action News Jax.

But administrators with First Coast Association Management were apparently of a different opinion.

In early February, the homeowners' association sent the woman a letter with a 'friendly reminder' that she was in violation of a bylaw prohibiting homeowners from displaying signs and flags without permission.

'Please remove the flag immediately upon receipt of this letter,' the typewritten note dated February 2 read.

‘The association hopes that you will cooperate and resolve this in the given time to avoid further actions which could include certified letters, attorney fees, fines and the loss of common area privileges such as pool access for your household,' the letter warned.

Passive-aggressive: The woman received this letter with a 'friendly reminder' that she was in violation of a bylaw prohibiting homeowners from displaying signs and flags without permission

Gaddie said his daughter called the HOA to inquire about the reasoning behind the flag removal order.

'They told her they had received a complaint that it was considered racist, offensive and anti-Black Lives Matter,' Gaddie said.

The daughter was then told she could submit a form asking for authorization to fly the flag, but her request was denied.

The HOA later explained that only American and military-themed flags were allowed to be displayed in the community.

Fighting for the flag: The family are planning to appeal the decision during next month’s meeting of the homeowners’ association

Gaddie, who currently works in the automotive sphere, has questioned the homeowners' association’s reason, insisting that 'blue is not a race.'

The family are planning to appeal the decision during next month’s meeting of the homeowners’ association.