The 813 area code has been a fixture in Florida for decades, but recent news has sparked questions about its reach and future. If you’re asking “Where Is 813 Area Code?”, you’re likely curious about its location and the changes happening within this region. This article clarifies the geographical area covered by the 813 area code, explains why a new area code is being introduced, and details what these changes mean for residents and businesses.
Where is the 813 Area Code Located?
The 813 area code is located in the west-central region of Florida, primarily encompassing Hillsborough County and extending into parts of Pinellas and Pasco counties. This puts the 813 area code squarely in the Tampa Bay area, a major metropolitan hub on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Key cities and communities within the 813 area code include:
- Tampa: The largest city in the region and a major economic and cultural center.
- Brandon: A large suburb east of Tampa.
- Land O’ Lakes: Located north of Tampa in Pasco County.
- Oldsmar: Situated in Pinellas County, bordering Tampa Bay.
- Riverview: A growing community southeast of Tampa.
- Thonotosassa: An unincorporated area in Hillsborough County.
- Town ‘n’ Country: A census-designated place in Hillsborough County, west of Tampa.
- Valrico: Another suburb east of Tampa.
- Zephyrhills: Located in Pasco County, northeast of Tampa.
Essentially, if you are in Tampa or the surrounding areas mentioned, you are likely within the 813 area code region. This area has experienced significant growth since the 813 area code was established, leading to the recent changes.
Why the Need for a New Area Code? Understanding Number Exhaustion in the 813 Zone
The 813 area code is one of Florida’s original area codes, established as the second one after 305. For a significant period, it covered the entire west coast of Florida, highlighting its initial vast reach. However, the explosive population growth in the Tampa Bay area, coupled with the proliferation of devices requiring phone numbers – from pagers and fax machines in the past to the ubiquitous cell phones and internet-connected devices of today – has led to a rapid depletion of available phone numbers under the 813 area code.
Regulators have recognized that the 813 area code is projected to run out of assignable phone numbers. To address this impending shortage and ensure continued service, the decision was made to introduce a new area code overlay.
Area Code Overlay Explained: What Changes and What Stays the Same for 813 Customers?
The solution adopted is an “overlay,” which is designed to minimize disruption for existing customers. Here’s what you need to know about the overlay and how it impacts those within the 813 area code:
- Existing Customers Keep Their Numbers: If you already have a phone number with the 813 area code, you will keep your number. There is no need to change your existing phone number. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that have established their brand and customer base with their current phone numbers.
- New Numbers Get a New Area Code: The new area code will be assigned to new phone customers or those adding additional phone lines in the same geographical region currently served by 813. The specific new area code has not been announced yet, but it will operate within the same service area as 813.
- Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing: Perhaps the most noticeable change is the requirement for 10-digit dialing for all local calls within the 813 region. This means you will need to dial the area code (813 or the new area code) plus the seven-digit phone number, even when calling someone across the street. This change is necessary to accommodate the overlay and ensure calls are routed correctly across both area codes within the same geographical space.
This overlay approach is considered “customer-friendly” because it allows current residents and businesses to maintain their familiar 813 numbers while providing the necessary capacity for future growth in the Tampa Bay region.
Timeline for the New Area Code and Assignment Process
The process of implementing the new area code is expected to take approximately a year. The specific new area code will be assigned by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), the organization responsible for managing phone numbers across the United States and other regions.
NANPA had already forecasted the need for relief for the 813 area code in 2019 and proposed the overlay plan. The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) then approved this plan after holding workshops and considering public input.
A permissive dialing period is expected to be implemented for six months before 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory. This period allows residents and businesses to adjust to the new dialing pattern.
Florida Area Code Expansion: The 850/448 Overlay Precedent
The introduction of a new area code overlay in the 813 region is not unprecedented in Florida. A similar overlay was recently approved for the 850 area code, which covers a vast 18-county area in the Florida Panhandle, including cities like Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola. In that case, the new area code 448 was introduced as an overlay to the 850 area code. This example highlights that area code overlays are a common and necessary solution to manage phone number demand in growing regions across Florida and the United States.
Conclusion: Adapting to Growth in the 813 Area Code Region
The introduction of a new area code overlay for the 813 region reflects the dynamic growth and technological advancements in the Tampa Bay area. While it brings about a change in dialing procedures with the adoption of 10-digit dialing, the overlay ensures minimal disruption for existing 813 number holders while providing the necessary phone number resources for continued expansion. Understanding where the 813 area code is and the reasons behind this change helps residents and businesses prepare for and adapt to this evolving telecommunications landscape.
Alt text: Map of Florida area codes, highlighting the 813 area code region in west-central Florida, including Tampa, Brandon, and surrounding areas, indicating its geographical location and the need for overlay due to growth.
