Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Florida

Hello - my next-door neighbor and I do not get along. It stems from a disagreement between our pre-teen children. While the adults generally ignore one another the female adult curses at my children when she sees them playing, walking our dogs, etc. Her words are vulgar and often spoken in front of her own children. The adult female has spread rumors about our children to neighbors. We live in an HOA. Is there anything we can do to stop her from continuing this behavior?

Asked on 12/29/09, 4:40 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Sarah Grosse Sarah Grosse, Esquire

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If she has not threatened your child, I do not think there is anything you can do as far as a restraining order. However, slader is an issue -- if she is saying false things to other people, and it damages your child, you can sue for the damages. I hesitate to advise you to file any lawsuit, though, because this mostly sounds like a "bad neighbor" issue, which is something you should just ignore. It's hard to get a feel for the situation over the internet. If you wish to discuss further, or clarify for me something I did not understand, you can email me.

Answered on 1/03/10, 5:03 am

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Steven Meyer CPLS, P.A.

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Your neighbor's conduct may violate the rules of the homeowners' association. You could alert the board of directors and property management company. They may send her a warning letter to refrain from disturbing the peace. Ultimately, after going through the right procedures, the HOA could fine her if she continues to behave badly in public.

Answered on 1/03/10, 9:43 pm

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