The 813 area code iconic to Tampa, Brandon, and all of Hillsborough County now shares its territory with the brand new 656 overlay. The change keeps fresh numbers available without forcing anyone to give up a long held 813 line, but it also locks in ten digit (or 1 + ten digit) dialing for every local call. Use this quick guide to stay ahead of the switch.
New 656 Area Code Overlay
Instead of carving the region into smaller zones, regulators layered 656 on top of 813. Existing numbers stay exactly the same; new lines may receive 656 as of February 22 2022. Because two codes now serve one map, every local call must include the area code plus the seven digit number.
813 Area Code Regions Affected
The overlay covers all of Hillsborough County, the city of Oldsmar in Pinellas County, and the central and southeastern portions of Pasco County including Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and portions of Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel.
Dialing Rules
Landlines: Dial 1 + area code + phone number (11 digits total).
Mobile phones: Dial area code + phone number (10 digits) or 1 + area code + number either works.
Seven digit dialing no longer completes a call.
Ten digit dialing became permanent on January 22 2022.
Key Dates for the 656 Roll Out
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| April 17 2021 | Permissive 7 /10 digit dialing period begins (seven digits still work) |
| January 22 2022 | Mandatory 10 /11 digit dialing for all local calls |
| February 22 2022 | First 656 numbers available for new service |
What Stays the Same
- Your existing 813 number does not change.
- Local calling areas and pricing remain identical 656 carries no extra fees.
- Three digit services (911, 211, 311, etc.) still dial with three digits.
- Long distance rules and toll rates remain unaffected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why add 656 instead of splitting the map?
Overlays avoid the cost and confusion of forcing residents and businesses to change long standing numbers.
Will caller ID look strange to customers?
No 656 simply indicates a newer assignment within the same Tampa Bay footprint.
Do mobile users have to dial “1”?
Most wireless carriers complete calls with either ten or eleven digits; landlines generally need the leading “1.”
Does the overlay raise call charges?
No. The overlay does not alter rate center boundaries or tariffs; your plan stays exactly the same.
