In a landmark move set to redefine the real estate landscape, MIAMI Association of REALTORS® and Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTORS® (RWorld) are merging their organizations and respective Multiple Listing Services (MLS). The consolidation, effective May 11, will create the largest local Realtor association globally, boasting an impressive 93,000 members and significantly impacting the South Florida real estate market.
Key Takeaways
- Formation of the world’s largest local Realtor association with 93,000 members.
- Merger integrates MIAMI (56,000 members) and RWorld (37,000 members).
- 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.
- Leadership roles established for the transitional and future periods.
A New Era for South Florida Real Estate
The merger brings together two of the most prominent Realtor organizations in the United States. MIAMI, the largest local association in the U.S. with 56,000 members, and RWorld, the third largest with 37,000 members, will now operate as a single entity. This combined force significantly surpasses the size of 47 state associations and is more than double the next largest local association in the U.S.
Alfredo Pujol, chairman of the board of MIAMI, will assume the role of the first chairman of the board for the new organization. Jonathan Dolphus, RWorld President, will serve as the 2026 chair-elect and 2027 chairman of the board, with Katherine Arteta as the 2027 chair-elect.
Enhanced Member Services and Global Reach
Leaders expressed optimism about the strategic advantages of the merger. "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. He emphasized that members will benefit from broader, more fluid access to data, tools, and services without the complexities of multiple memberships, ultimately leading to a higher level of service for clients.
Dolphus echoed these sentiments, highlighting the creation of a more connected and efficient association and MLS. "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," he said. The focus remains on helping members achieve greater profitability and success in the global marketplace.
Leadership and Operational Structure
Teresa King Kinney and Dionna Hall will lead the newly formed association as co-CEOs. Kinney, who has led MIAMI for 33 years, is slated to retire at the end of 2026. Hall will continue as the sole CEO of Miami and South Florida REALTORS® & BeachesMLS from 2027 onwards.
Operational leadership will also be structured to leverage the expertise of both organizations. 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. 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 integrating. The combined Beaches MLS is poised to become the largest MLS owned by a single U.S. Realtor association.