Thought this only happens in rich towns?

Local governments love to drop the full weight of the law on the powerless.

But Pearson lives in North Port, a city that has targeted citizens for violating rules regulating everything from how often you mow your grass to the cars in your driveway.

North Port took Pearson to court this month over fines of more than $27,000 for keeping her old car in the driveway without a license plate. If the city wins its case, Pearson could be facing bankruptcy.

"It's been a nightmare," said Pearson, 49, who works two jobs to stay afloat as she raises three teenagers.