KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

An Opinion By Jan Bergemann

Published May 12, 2026

The strong words of “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER” (originally in Latin: “ipsa scientia potestas est”) is commonly attributed to Sir Francis Bacon. We are using it as the headline of our educational webpages, trying to help board members and owners living in community associations to deal with the often very complicated issues of association rules and laws.

The fact that the Florida Legislature makes changes to these statutes every year doesn’t make it easier and, adding the horrible ruling of the Florida Supreme Court in regards to the so-called “Kaufman Language”, makes it even more complicated. It seems even “specialized” attorneys seem to have problems to interpret these statutes correctly. Sometimes you have to go back to more than 20 year old statutes (due to lack of Kaufman language in the association’s governing documents) to find the statutes that are actually regulating the association.

On our website “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER” you find a lot of different topics explained for folks who are not so familiar with the actual rules and statutes. Make sure you know if your association is a Condominium (FS 718) or a Homeowners’ Association (FS 720). The statutes differ widely.

Over the years we have collected lots of important rulings from courts (Florida’s District Courts + Arbitration) that may help you interpreting existing laws.

Recalls of board members are very effective, but it has to be done correctly. Make sure you know all the facts of doing a recall before you even start. It’s much easier to understand the procedure and to get it right in the first place instead of having to make corrections at a later point.

If you like to go to live seminars, visit one of Eric Glazer’s Board Certification Seminars he offers every year in spring and autumn. You can ask questions – and get answers directly at the seminar. Don’t pay for one of the on-line seminars offered on the Internet. There is no Q&A and you will sure miss live interaction.

Never forget: A financial disaster in your association can cause a disaster for your private finances.

Make sure you know what’s going on in your community and make sure that everything is done according to rules and statutes. Knowing what’s right or wrong is very important and as the headline said: “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”!