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, unified association and MLS. This significant consolidation, effective May 11, will create the largest local Realtor association globally, boasting an impressive 93,000 members.
Key Takeaways
- Formation of the world’s largest local Realtor association with 93,000 members.
- Merger combines MIAMI (56,000 members) and RWorld (37,000 members).
- New organization aims to provide broader data access, enhanced tools, and streamlined services for members.
- Proposed new name: Miami and South Florida REALTORS®, pending NAR approval.
- Leadership roles established for the transitional period and beyond.
A New Era for South Florida Real Estate
The merger brings together two of the most robust MLS and Realtor organizations in the United States. The combined entity is poised to leverage South Florida’s status as a global real estate powerhouse and shape the future of the industry. Alfredo Pujol, chairman of the board of MIAMI, will serve as the inaugural chairman of the board for the new organization. Jonathan Dolphus, RWorld President, will be the 2026 chair-elect and 2027 chairman of the board, with Katherine Arteta as the 2027 chair-elect.
Pujol expressed optimism about the union, stating, "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."
Unprecedented Scale and Leadership
With 93,000 members, the newly formed association surpasses the size of 47 state associations and is more than double the next largest local association in the U.S. It is also approximately 33% larger than the next largest association worldwide. Teresa King Kinney and Dionna Hall will lead the newly formed association as co-CEOs. Kinney is set to retire at the end of 2026 after a distinguished 33-year career leading MIAMI, while Hall will continue as the sole CEO in 2027 and beyond, overseeing Miami and South Florida REALTORS® & BeachesMLS.
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 entity. Kim Hansen, RWorld’s COO, will be COO of BeachesMLS and chief of the RWorld Division.
Streamlined Services and Future Growth
Dolphus highlighted the strategic importance of the merger, noting, "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."
Initially, both MLSs will operate as separate entities before combining. Once formed, the Miami and South Florida REALTORS® Beaches MLS is expected to be the largest MLS owned by a single U.S. Realtor association, further solidifying its position as a leader in the global marketplace.