In a landmark move set to reshape the South Florida real estate landscape, the Miami Association of Realtors (MIAMI) and Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors (RWorld) have announced their merger. Effective May 11, 2026, the combined entity will create "Miami and South Florida Realtors," boasting an unprecedented 93,000 members and establishing itself as the largest local Realtor association globally. This strategic union aims to enhance member services, expand data access, and leverage South Florida’s growing influence as a global real estate hub.
Key Takeaways
- Unprecedented Scale: The merged association will represent approximately 93,000 members, significantly surpassing the next largest local association in the U.S. and even exceeding the size of 47 state associations.
- Leadership Transition: Teresa King Kinney and Dionna Hall will serve as co-CEOs, with Kinney retiring at the end of 2026 after a 33-year tenure, paving the way for Hall to lead as sole CEO.
- Enhanced MLS Capabilities: The integration of their respective Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) will eventually form the third-largest MLS in the nation, offering members access to a comprehensive data set and dual MLS platform options (Flexmls and Matrix).
- Global Reach: The new association inherits and expands upon existing international agreements, aiming to further promote South Florida as a prime destination for global buyers and investors.
A New Era for South Florida Realtors
The merger brings together MIAMI, with its 56,000 members, and RWorld, with 37,000 members. This consolidation is expected to provide members with broader and more fluid access to essential data, tools, and services, eliminating the complexities of multiple memberships. Leaders from both organizations expressed optimism about the synergy, highlighting the potential for increased member profitability and success in the global marketplace.
Leadership and Structure
Alfredo Pujol, chairman of MIAMI’s board, will serve as the first chairman of the combined association’s board. Jonathan Dolphus, RWorld President, is slated to be the 2026 chair-elect and 2027 chairman of the board. Katherine Arteta will follow as the 2027 chair-elect. Evian White De Leon will continue as COO of Miami and South Florida Realtors and chief of the MIAMI Realtors Division, while Kim Hansen will serve as COO of BeachesMLS and chief of the RWorld Division. The organizations have committed to preserving their respective division boards to maintain their unique identities and traditions.
Future Outlook
While both MLSs will initially operate separately, plans are in place for their eventual unification. This combined MLS is projected to be the third largest in the U.S., behind Bright MLS and California Regional MLS. The merger also strengthens the association’s global outreach, building on over 437 international agreements to attract international buyers and investors to the vibrant South Florida market. The move aligns with a broader trend of consolidation within the real estate industry, aiming to create more efficient and powerful organizations.
Sources
- South Florida Association Merger Sets Record, | Florida Realtors.
- Mega-merger in Florida creates largest local association in US, RealEstateNews.com.
- Florida Realtors Group to Merge, Creating New Mega-Association, Weekly Real Estate News.
- Florida Associations Miami Realtors and RWorld Announce Merger — RISMedia, RISMedia.
- MIAMI REALTORS® and Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® to merge in May, South Florida Agent Magazine.