Florida HOA President Tries to Sue 5-Year-Old Black Boy for Touching a Tree — Mom Fights Back Against “Racist Karen”
FLORIDA – A Florida mom is going viral after exposing her homeowners association president — dubbed by social media as a “racist Karen” — who allegedly filed a lawsuit against her and her 5-year-old son for touching a tree.
The shocking dispute has outraged thousands online, as the HOA leader reportedly targeted the single Black mother and her child, issuing fines, complaints, and even filming the boy daily — all because he touched a neighborhood tree.
“She’s Suing My 5-Year-Old for Touching a Tree”
The mother, who lives in a gated Florida community, shared her story through a series of emotional TikTok videos, saying the HOA president’s obsession with her family began after the child touched a tree near the sidewalk.
“She filed a complaint and is trying to take legal action against me and my 5-year-old son,” the mom said in disbelief.
The mother revealed that the tree was not located on private property, and there are no HOA rules prohibiting children from touching or climbing trees.
Still, the HOA president used a vague article from the community guidelines banning “noxious and offensive behavior” to justify the claim — calling the child’s actions a “public nuisance.”
@the_arielb I’ve never felt so defeated in my life. She can’t get to me so she gets to my five year-old for touching a tree. All of this is retaliation because I told her to speak to me if she has a problem do not yell at my kids. #hoa #neighbors #home #tree #racism
The Racism Didn’t Stop There
According to the mom, the HOA president didn’t just stop at filing a complaint. She allegedly began filming the 5-year-old from her window every morning at the bus stop.
“She wakes up every day at 7:30 a.m. to record my son,” the mom said tearfully. “I had to tell him not to touch trees anymore.”
The woman also claimed the same HOA leader fined her for her garbage can placement, even though other neighbors were not penalized.
“She’s targeting me because I’m Black,” the mother said. “No one else is getting fined — just me.”
Community Support Pours In
Frustrated but determined, the mother decided to print copies of the lawsuit and distribute them to her neighbors — along with flowers — so residents could see how their HOA fees were being wasted.
“I had to kiss the [expletive] of this racist woman in my neighborhood,” she said, “or fight back. I chose to fight.”
Neighbors quickly rallied around her, calling the lawsuit “wild,” “disgusting,” and “a clear abuse of HOA power.”
“What is the complaint — that he touched a tree??” one commenter wrote. “If that child was white, this wouldn’t be happening. Everyone knows it.”
Another added:
“This is wild! Start a GoFundMe for your legal fees — we got your back!”
Fighting Back and Running for Change
The mother has since vowed to join the HOA board herself to fight systemic bias from within. She’s also considering legal action of her own — including a restraining order against the HOA president for harassment and racial discrimination.
“Former HOA manager here,” one online supporter commented. “Read your bylaws. She can’t issue legal threats without board approval. Don’t pay that fine — challenge it publicly.”
A Symbol of Everyday Racism
The story has become a viral symbol of how racism and abuse of power can appear even in everyday suburban life. Commenters from across the country said it shows why many people dread HOA communities.
“She’s not protecting the neighborhood — she’s policing it,” one user wrote.
For now, the Florida mother says she plans to stay in her home and continue fighting back:
“I’m not going to let her bully my son over something as innocent as touching a tree.”
Would you stay in a neighborhood after something like this — or move out? Join the conversation today at FatCityFeed.com.
