The End of an Era: Teresa King Kinney Retires After 33 Years Leading the MIAMI Association of Realtors

Miami realtors logo

After more than three decades at the helm of the nation’s largest local Realtor association, Teresa King Kinney—one of the most influential figures in modern real estate—has announced her retirement as CEO of the MIAMI Association of Realtors. Her departure marks the close of a remarkable 55-year career in real estate leadership, leaving behind a legacy few can match.

The MIAMI Association of Realtors confirmed that Kinney will officially step down at the end of the year, transitioning into the role of CEO Emeritus while supporting the organization for an additional year through a consulting agreement. A national search firm has already been retained to identify her successor.

A Legacy Built on Vision, Innovation, and Global Reach

When Kinney arrived in Miami in 1993, the association had just 5,000 members and a single office. Today, thanks to her relentless drive and bold leadership, MIAMI now serves 60,000 members, making it larger than 44 state Realtor associations. It also operates the fourth-largest MLS in the country—and the largest association-owned MLS.

Her leadership transformed Miami into a global real estate powerhouse. Kinney championed the Miami lifestyle on the world stage, presenting at major international conferences and establishing business connections across 77 countries. Because of this international push, Miami grew into one of the most recognized and sought-after global real estate brands.

View the Original Announcement

Tap to read the official press release on PR Newswire.

A Career Defined by “Begin With the End in Mind”

Under Kinney’s leadership, MIAMI became the first large market to post listings on Realtor.com, oversaw one of the largest mergers in NAR history, launched global partnerships, and established itself as a national leader in advocacy, innovation, education, and community impact. Her philosophy—never accepting limits and always looking ahead—allowed MIAMI to stay agile through major industry shifts, market downturns, and global disruptions.

During the 2008 crash, Kinney guided Miami’s recovery faster than any other U.S. market. During COVID-19, she moved the association to full virtual operations within a single business day. And after the landmark NAR settlement of 2024, MIAMI was one of the first associations in the nation to launch new educational programs, toolkits, and broker resources to help Realtors adapt.

Leading Miami’s Global Identity

Kinney founded MIAMI Global in 1996, initiating the association’s first international agreement with SECOVI-SP in Brazil. Now, nearly 300 global partnerships later, MIAMI provides its members with access to over two million real estate professionals worldwide through its referral networks. Its Global Real Estate Congresses and international exhibitions have helped solidify Miami as the unrivaled gateway between the Americas and the world.

Celebrating a Real Estate Icon

Awards have followed Kinney throughout her career—more than 50 of them—including the prestigious NAR William R. Magel Award of Excellence. She has been named one of the most powerful people in real estate, one of the top MLS executives in the country, and one of the major influencers in South Florida’s property market.

Yet industry peers consistently highlight her work ethic, passion, and willingness to mentor as the true heart of her leadership. As MIAMI Chairman Alfredo Pujol said, “Miami and the real estate profession is better thanks to TK.”

The Next Chapter

With Kinney’s retirement approaching, MIAMI is positioned for unprecedented growth. The association’s state-of-the-art global headquarters, award-winning MLS innovations, and commitment to world-class education continue to make it a model for real estate organizations nationwide.

Her successor will inherit an organization built on strength—and a legacy that has shaped the real estate landscape of an entire region.

For the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Teresa King Kinney’s career reminds us that education, adaptability, and leadership drive success. If you’re pursuing a real estate license or advancing your professional skills, Cameron Academy is here to help shape your next steps—just as leaders like Kinney shaped the future of our industry.

Source: MIAMI Association of Realtors via PR Newswire

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

Global Capital Is Reshaping Real Estate for 2026

Investors worldwide are redeploying capital, embracing more active deal structures, and expanding into new regions as the 2026 market takes shape. Data centers, revived office demand, and global diversification are driving a major shift—creating fresh opportunities for real estate, mortgage, and finance professionals who understand where capital is heading next.

Florida’s Home Insurance Crisis Hits Breaking Point as Premiums Soar and Claims Go Unpaid

Florida homeowners now pay an average of $5,838 per year for insurance—about $3,000 more than the national average—pushing many families to the financial brink. Residents report premiums tripling, claims being severely underpaid, and insurers dropping policies at one of the highest rates in the country. As frustration mounts, lawmakers and industry experts are calling for sweeping reforms to curb rising costs, increase accountability, and stabilize a market that’s reshaping real estate decisions across the state.

Citizens Insurance Steps Back as Florida’s Private Market Surges

Florida’s insurance market has hit a major turning point. Citizens Property Insurance—once the state’s largest insurer with 1.4 million policies—has shed more than 900,000 policies as private insurers return in force. Driven by Florida’s depopulation program and the arrival of 17 new companies, nearly 200,000 policies shifted to private carriers in October alone, with about 40 percent offering lower premiums. The shift signals rising competition, stabilizing rates, and new opportunities for homeowners and industry professionals navigating Florida’s evolving insurance landscape.

NAR Unveils Biggest MLS Policy Overhaul in 20 Years, Effective 2026

The National Association of REALTORS® has approved 18 major updates to modernize its MLS policies—the largest overhaul in two decades. Announced at NAR NXT in Houston and set to take effect in January 2026, the changes aim to streamline MLS operations, improve enforcement clarity, and better align policies with how today’s real estate professionals actually work.

Inhabit Unveils New AI and Fraud Prevention Tools Transforming Property Management

Inhabit has rolled out a powerful lineup of AI-driven leasing, marketing, fraud prevention, and compliance tools designed to streamline operations and protect property teams from growing risks. From hybrid AI leasing assistants to instant income verification and upcoming portfolio-wide lease audits, these innovations aim to cut costs, eliminate inefficiencies, and strengthen regulatory confidence across the multifamily industry.

Florida’s Insurance System Is Shifting Again—But Are Homeowners Still in the Danger Zone?

Florida’s latest round of insurance reforms was meant to calm a volatile market, yet many experts warn the same deep structural problems remain. Homeowners are being pushed from Citizens into higher‑priced, lightly capitalized private insurers, ratings agencies face scrutiny for inflated grades, and political influence clouds oversight. For real estate and insurance professionals, these trends signal ongoing risk, rising costs, and a market in need of a complete rebuild.