About Lakeland REALTORS®

The Trusted Voice of Real Estate in Lakeland, FL for Over 100 Years!

Founded in 1923, Lakeland REALTORS® has proudly served real estate professionals and the community for more than a century. Today, we represent 1,500+ REALTOR® and Affiliate members, making us one of the strongest and most influential professional organizations in the region.

We exist to support, protect, and advance the real estate profession — ensuring REALTORS® have a powerful, unified voice in shaping the future of housing and property ownership in our community.

Our Mission
Our leadership objectives are to unite those engaged in the recognized branches of the real estate profession for the purpose of exerting a beneficial influence upon the profession and related interests. To promote and maintain high standards of conduct in the real estate profession as expressed in the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®.

What We Do

Advocacy & Government Affairs

Advocacy is at the core of our mission. Lakeland REALTORS® actively represents the interests of real estate professionals at the local, state, and national levels. Through our partnership with Florida Realtors® and the National Association of REALTORS®, we advocate for policies that protect private property rights, promote housing affordability, and support a strong, ethical real estate industry.

We work to ensure decision-makers understand the real-world impact of legislation on REALTORS®, homeowners, and consumers. Our members never advocate alone because we have their backs.

Education & Professional Development

We provide high-quality education designed to help REALTORS® grow, adapt, and succeed in a changing market. From required training and continuing education to professional development opportunities, designations, and certifications, our programs support members at every stage of their career.

Professional Standards & Ethics

As a REALTOR® association, we uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, promoting honesty, integrity, and professionalism in every transaction. These standards protect consumers, strengthen public trust, and elevate the real estate profession.

Community Engagement & Outreach

Giving back is an important part of who we are. Through the Lakeland REALTORS® Foundation and annual charitable initiatives, we support local organizations and causes that make a meaningful impact throughout our community.

A Strong Network of Professionals

Lakeland REALTORS® is home to a diverse network of REALTORS®, brokers, appraisers, and industry partners who are deeply invested in the success of the local real estate market. Through networking events, leadership opportunities, and collaborative initiatives, we foster relationships that strengthen businesses and build community.

Our Leadership

Lakeland REALTORS® is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of local real estate professionals who are committed to serving our members and advancing the profession. These leaders help shape our strategic direction, advocacy priorities, and member programs.

Meet our current Board of Directors and leadership team here

Join Us!

When you engage with Lakeland REALTORS®, you’re connecting to more than a local association. We are part of a three-tier REALTOR® organization that includes:

• Lakeland REALTORS®
• Florida Realtors®
• National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)

Together, we amplify the REALTOR® voice, protect property rights, and support real estate professionals nationwide.

A History of the Lakeland Association of REALTORS® / dba. Lakeland REALTORS®
The Lakeland Association of REALTORS® was organized in 1923. The association was organized as the Lakeland Real Estate Board. The Real Estate Board consisted of six charter members: Mr. John F. Cox, President, Mr. William Steitz, Mr. L.R. Abbott, Mr. E.J. Kaufmann, Mr. J. J. Haldeman, Mr. Henry J. Lewis.

The second President of the Lakeland Real Estate Board was Mr. J.J. Haldeman in 1924. He was followed by Mr. William Steitz in 1925, Mr. Henry J. Lewis in 1926, and Mr. F.A. Howard in 1927.

In 1926 the Board reached a membership of 107 REALTOR® members, seven Associate members and three Affiliate Members. Dues at the time were a $50 initiation fee with $100 annual dues per REALTOR®. In 1926 the Lakeland Board also employed an Assistant Secretary, Mr. G.F. Bayliss at an annual salary of $1,800.

In 1928 the membership of the Lakeland Real Estate Board dropped to approximately ten members. From 1929 to 1936, the number of members averaged approximately six to ten. During this period of time, meetings were held approximately once every four to six months. Presidents from this period of time to the present date included:

A charter was issued by the National Association of Real Estate Boards to the Lakeland Board of REALTORS® on May 1, 1941.

In the early to mid-1940s, our Association changed from a group meeting once or twice a year, with few members, to an active organization, meeting on a monthly basis. Attendance at monthly REALTOR® meetings has reached an all-time high in recent years with the inclusion of meals in the annual dues. Since this practice was adopted in the early 1960s, attendance has averaged from 50 to 80 REALTORS® and Associates per meeting. Prior to this, attendance averaged fifteen to twenty per meeting.

The early 1960s also featured the formation of an active Associate Division in our Association. At this time, the Associates began meeting once a month with regular planned programs and educational activities.

In 1989 the Lakeland Board of REALTORS® changed its name to the Lakeland Association of REALTORS®. The Board of Director’s thinking behind the name change was that the public concept of the Lakeland Board of REALTORS® perhaps reflected its Board of Director’s logic, while the name Lakeland Association of REALTORS® clearly includes all participants such as Brokers, Associates, the Board of Directors and all persons related.

The foregoing history has been compiled from miscellaneous records and from the memories and recollections of many of our long-standing members. Any errors or omissions are entirely accidental. REV 6/24/08

Have More Questions? Contact Us!

Feel free to call or email us at (863) 687- 6111 or email us at info@lakelandrealtors.org. Our dedicated staff would be happy to assist you!