2 Texas associations to merge; MLS alliance expands in Florida 

Editor's note: From regional and statewide players to locals focused on a single market, multiple listings services and Realtor associations are the backbone of residential real estate. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the organizations that are shaping the future of the industry.

SABOR, FRAR to merge after 'thoughtful discussion'

The San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR) and Four Rivers Association of Realtors (FRAR) announced plans for a merger this week, a move that would bring their over 10,000 members in Central and South Texas under the same umbrella.

The boards of directors for both associations formally greenlit the deal. The merger still needs member approval and NAR ratification before it can be finalized.

The decision to merge was made after "thoughtful discussion, evaluation and strategic planning" by leaders of both associations, SABOR and FRAR said in their announcement, adding that the merger "represents a strong opportunity to enhance member value, expand our regional footprint and strengthen the Realtor voice."

According to SABOR, merging with FRAR will provide members of both associations with new educational and professional development opportunities, as well as enhanced networking and regional support.

Members of both associations will have an opportunity to cast their votes on the proposed merger in the coming weeks. If they vote to move forward, NAR would next decide whether to ratify the agreement.

MLS alliance adds fifth member

The Southeast MLS Alliance is welcoming realMLS into the fold, expanding its reach into Northeast Florida.

Southeast MLS Alliance was launched in Oct. 2023 with four partners: CHS Regional MLS in Charleston, South Carolina; Realtracs in Nashville, Tennessee; Canopy MLS in Charlotte, North Carolina; and Georgia MLS. With the addition of Jacksonville, Florida-based realMLS, the alliance now serves over 118,000 subscribers, according to a news release.

realMLS CEO Nicole Jensen said the move aligns with the MLS's "commitment to transparency, efficiency, and better outcomes for agents and the consumers they serve."

"Expanded access to listing data across the Southeast, available directly within the realMLS platform supports our ongoing efforts to eliminate barriers and empower our customers with the information they need to succeed," Jensen added.

Southeast MLS Alliance said in its announcement that adding this fifth partner emphasizes its "shared vision of a more connected cooperative real estate marketplace delivering enhanced value to brokers, agents, and consumers alike."

Florida MLSs, associations dismissed from steering lawsuit

A judge has dismissed several associations and MLSs in Florida from a steering lawsuit filed last summer.

Jorge Zea, who runs the snapflatfee.com brokerage, brought the case against NAR and more than a dozen associations and MLSs in Florida, Arizona and Connecticut in August 2025. The case alleged that the defendants steered clients away from listings with reduced buyer agent commissions.

The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the case last fall, and three parties — Connecticut Association of Realtors, Connecticut-based Smart MLS and Arizona-based West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley — were dismissed in March.

On April 13, U.S. District Judge William Dimitrouleas approved another judge's March recommendation to dismiss NAR and all remaining defendants listed in the original complaint: Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie Realtors; Beaches MLS; Miami Association of Realtors; Orlando Regional Realtor Association; Space Coast MLS; Space Coast Association of Realtors; Royal Palm Coast Realtor Association; Florida Gulf Coast MLS; Naples Area Board of Realtors; Stellar MLS; realMLS; Northeast Florida Association of Realtors; and Central Panhandle Association of Realtors.

Zea has until April 27 to file an amended complaint. If none is received on or before that date, Dimitrouleas said the case will be closed.