#United States #Miami #Real Estate #Miami Realtors #RWorld

MIAMI REALTORS® and RWorld Unite for Record Merger

In an unprecedented move set to reshape the landscape of the real estate industry, the MIAMI Association of REALTORS® (MIAMI) has announced its merger with Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® (RWorld). This merger will create a single, robust association and Multiple Listing Service (MLS), marking a significant milestone on May 11, 2026. Together, these two legacy organizations will bring their combined strength to serve over 93,000 members, ultimately establishing the largest local Realtor association in the world.

The Details of the Merger

As part of this historic merger, the new organization plans to be known as Miami and South Florida REALTORS®, pending approval from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Leading this transformative effort, Alfredo Pujol, chairman of MIAMI, will take the helm as the inaugural Chairman of the Board. Jonathan Dolphus, president of RWorld, will transition into the role of Chair-Elect for 2026 as well as Chairman for 2027. Katherine Arteta is also set to serve as Chair-Elect in 2027, ensuring strong leadership continuity.

“This is a strategic win for South Florida, encompassing our 93,000 collective members and their clients,” Pujol stated. “Our unified platform will allow Realtors to access a wealth of resources, data, and tools without the complications of multiple memberships.” This consolidation not only enhances service levels for clients but also signifies a major stride toward reinforcing South Florida's position as a pivotal player in the global real estate arena.

Combining Forces for a Greater Impact

The merger integrates MIAMI, with its 56,000 members, and RWorld, which consists of 37,000 members. The combined entity will surpass 47 state associations in membership size, emphasizing its scale and influence in the industry. Notably, MIAMI and RWorld collectively managed a staggering $69 billion in real estate transactions in 2025, emphasizing their stronghold on the market.

Teresa King Kinney, a stalwart leader with over three decades at MIAMI, will join forces with Dionna Hall as Co-CEOs of the new organization, ensuring a legacy of strong leadership, especially for women in real estate. Kinney's retirement announcement, made on February 20, 2026, indicates a smooth transition, with Hall continuing to lead in the 2027 role.

Preserving Culture and Enhancing Service

The newly formed organization will keep division boards in place to uphold the distinct cultures each member group values. Following the merger, Evian White De Leon, MIAMI’s COO and chief legal counsel, will oversee the newly unified organization's operations, while Kim Hansen of RWorld will manage the BeachesMLS division. This ongoing respect for the differing organizational identities reflects a commitment to excellence across all service areas.

Dolphus articulated the benefits of the merger by stating, “By uniting our organizations, we are crafting a more seamless, connected Association and MLS that delivers enhanced access to tools, data, and services to our members. This merger is focused on creating pathways for profitability and success in the global marketplace.”

A New Era of MLS Operations

Initially, both MLSs will continue their separate operations, but a future integration aims to create the third-largest MLS in the country, incorporating around 93,000 subscribers. The future Miami and South Florida REALTORS® Beaches MLS will boast an extensive reach, improving the data access and educational opportunities available to its members and enhancing their capabilities in supporting a diverse clientele.

With more than 2,830 annual educational seminars and access to 300 premium marketing tools, the new organization is poised to significantly enrich the experience for its members. MIAMI's acclaimed global program will further leverage international partnerships—over 437 signed agreements—further solidifying its role in attracting buyers and investors alike.

The powerful new association will also participate in eleven data exchanges with other major MLSs, enhancing listing exposure and referral opportunities in the burgeoning South Florida market. Additionally, plans are underway to engage in the Global Data Exchange (GDX), facilitating data sharing internationally and broadening the range of opportunities available to its members.

Conclusion

As MIAMI REALTORS® and RWorld unite, the merger symbolizes more than just a statistical increase in membership; it represents a commitment to efficiency, resource accessibility, and comprehensive service offerings to clients across the real estate spectrum. With the newly formed organization focusing on integrating data and technology with traditional services, the future indeed looks promising for South Florida’s real estate community. The shift aims to empower both brokers and agents as they delve into new market territories, armed with enhanced strategies and tools to navigate the complexities of the modern real estate landscape.