HOLLYWOOD · You don't have to ask Mayor Mara Giulianti who she's backing in the heated race for governor. The McBride for Governor sign sitting on her front lawn makes it clear where her allegiance lies.

But Giulianti's homeowners' association at the Lakes of Emerald Hills is not pleased about the way she's spreading the word.

The mayor has received two notices from the Lakes of Emerald Hills board informing her that the sign outside of her home on North 32nd Terrace violates the property's deed restrictions and should be removed promptly.

The mayor is saying no way. If the rule hadn't been enforced in years, she said, she doesn't see why it should have teeth now.

"I've lived her for 20 some years. I always have my campaign signs out," said Giulianti, who said she was stunned when she received the certified letter about her sign. "Frankly, I forgot there was a deed restriction, because they weren't enforcing it."

The Lakes of Emerald Hills is an upper class community made up of about 200 homes, many of them large four- and five-bedroom houses. According to the deed restriction, only "for sale" signs are permitted.

Jules Ast, vice president of the homeowners' board, said the association is more diligent about enforcing the restrictions now because several rules are being updated with the help of an attorney. The decision to notify Giulianti about her violation was unanimous, Ast said.

"As the mayor, she should be the person leading conformity with restrictions and state rules," Ast said. "She's not being made an example or picked on, she's the only one with a sign up."

Board President Steve Reese said the rule is clear.

"It's unfortunate that one who is in a political position has the ability to exercise her right over and above other people," Reese said.

But Martin Rennalls, the owner of a house in the Lakes at Emerald Hills, said he didn't see why political signs should be prohibited.

"This is my free expression, my political belief," Rennalls said. "I don't see why that should be a problem."

The rules empower the board to remove signs from properties if the property owner doesn't comply with the restrictions. But Ast said he doesn't think the dispute with the mayor would get to that point.

Giulianti said she is not breaking a city law, and she thinks in the post-Sept. 11 climate people should relax certain flag and sign restrictions.

"With our elections, we still need more excitement and more spirit," Giulianti said. "Either way [the sign] reminds people of an election. Even someone who may be for Jeb Bush."

The mayor joked that each time she gets to her driveway she checks to see if her sign is still sitting on the lawn.

She's prepared for the worst, she said. "I still have two in my trunk."