Member Sued Stonebridge Golf and Country Club
Barry Arfa filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation after reporting building and safety code violations.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Golf
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A long-time member has sued the Stonebridge Golf and Country Club, claiming the organization repeatedly suspended his membership in retaliation for flagging health and building code violations. Barry Arfa is seeking over $50,000 in damages for breach of contract and emotional harm.
Why it matters
The lawsuit underscores the tension between club management and members over facility maintenance and governance. Arfa alleges that the club silenced his warnings about rodents and illegal construction by suspending his access despite his paid dues.
The lawsuit highlights a $2 million project halted due to illegal construction and daily fines of $1,000 levied against the club. The plaintiff previously paid $48,000 in annual dues.
The players
Barry Arfa
He is a former member of the Stonebridge Golf and Country Club who is currently engaged in legal action against the facility.
Stonebridge Golf and Country Club
This is a private golf and residential club located in Boca Raton, Florida, that is now facing allegations of code violations and retaliatory membership suspensions.
Palm Beach County Circuit Court
This is the judicial body where the civil lawsuit regarding the club's membership and building practices was filed.
The details
Arfa alleges that the club installed water lines and food equipment without proper permits and ignored reports of rodents in food service areas. He contends that management suspended his membership in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to retaliate after he alerted other members to the facility's ongoing code violations.
Timeline
Barry Arfa joined the club in 2014.
Arfa began reporting construction and health code violations in 2017.
The club allegedly suspended Arfa's membership between 2022 and 2024.
The lawsuit was filed in the Palm Beach County Circuit Court on September 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This litigation highlights the growing legal challenges faced by private clubs in Florida regarding the enforcement of building safety and health codes. The case marks a significant conflict in the local community as residents increasingly challenge the governance and maintenance practices of exclusive membership facilities.
The lawsuit explicitly seeks recovery of membership dues, which could influence how other club members approach dispute resolution regarding facility standards. Future proceedings will determine if the alleged code violations necessitate formal oversight changes at the club.
The takeaway
Disputes between private clubs and members often hinge on the specific bylaws governing membership status and facility maintenance responsibilities. Members concerned about safety should document all communications regarding code violations before seeking legal counsel to protect their financial investment.
Further reading
For more background on the local recreational landscape, visit our Golf section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BocaNewsNow.
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