In a landmark move set to redefine the real estate landscape, MIAMI REALTORS® and Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTORS® (RWorld), along with their respective Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), are merging into a single, powerful entity. This unification, effective May 11, will create the largest local Realtor association globally, boasting an impressive 93,000 members.
Key Takeaways
- Creation of the world’s largest local Realtor association with 93,000 members.
- Merger aims to enhance member services, data access, and operational efficiency.
- New organization to be named Miami and South Florida REALTORS®, pending NAR approval.
- Combined MLS will be the largest owned by a single U.S. Realtor association.
A New Era for South Florida Real Estate
The newly formed organization, proposed to be named Miami and South Florida REALTORS®, is poised to become a dominant force in the industry. This merger brings together MIAMI, the largest local Realtor association in the U.S. with 56,000 members, and RWorld, the third largest with 37,000 members. The combined strength of 93,000 members surpasses that of 47 state associations and is more than double the size of the next largest local association in the United States.
Leadership and Vision
Alfredo Pujol, chairman of the board of MIAMI, will serve as the first chairman of the board for the merged entity. Jonathan Dolphus, RWorld President, will be the 2026 chair-elect and 2027 chairman of the board, with Katherine Arteta as the 2027 chair-elect.
"Two of the strongest MLS and Realtor organizations in the U.S. are now one, building on South Florida’s momentum as a global real estate powerhouse and shaping the industry’s next frontier," stated Pujol. "This is a win for South Florida, our 93,000 collective members and their clients. Our members will have broader, more fluid access to the data, tools and services they need — without the limitations or complexity of multiple memberships. Ultimately, this will allow South Florida Realtors to deliver an even higher level of service."
Dolphus echoed this sentiment, adding, "This merger reflects the continued growth and evolution of the South Florida real estate market. By bringing our organizations together, we are creating a more connected and efficient association and MLS, one that delivers complete MLS data, expanded access to tools and services, and a simpler way for our members to do business. Together, we’re focused on helping our members become more profitable and successful in the global marketplace."
Operational Integration and Future Outlook
Teresa King Kinney and Dionna Hall will lead the newly formed association as co-CEOs. Kinney, who has led MIAMI for 33 years, is set to retire at the end of 2026. Hall will continue as the sole CEO of Miami and South Florida REALTORS® & BeachesMLS in 2027 and beyond.
Evian White De Leon, MIAMI’s chief operating officer and chief legal counsel, will serve as the COO and chief of the MIAMI REALTORS® Division for the new organization. Kim Hansen, RWorld’s COO, will be COO of BeachesMLS and chief of the RWorld Division.
Initially, both MLSs will operate as separate entities before a full integration. Upon completion, the Miami and South Florida REALTORS® Beaches MLS is expected to be the largest MLS owned by a single U.S. Realtor association.