Where is Area Code 813?
Area code 813 encompasses a significant portion of western central Florida, particularly in and around the Tampa Bay region. The coverage area is primarily in Hillsborough County, with smaller segments extending into neighboring areas. Major cities and communities served by this area code include:
- Tampa
- Temple Terrace
- Plant City
- Parts of unincorporated Hillsborough County
According to the Hillsborough County official site, population centers in this region continue to grow steadily, making 813 an integral part of Florida’s telecommunication framework.
For regulatory inquiries, individuals may contact the Florida Public Service Commission, located at 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399. The official Florida Public Service Commission site provides detailed information on area code management, utility regulation, and consumer protection measures.
What Time Zone Is 813 Area Code in the USA?
The 813 area code is situated within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This zone follows Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is five hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). During daylight saving time—commonly observed from mid-March to early November—time shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4). All localities within area code 813 adjust their clocks accordingly and adhere to state and federal guidelines regarding daylight saving changes.
Individuals seeking further guidance on time zone regulations and nationwide compliance can consult the Federal Communications Commission resources, which also addresses interstate communication standards. The Federal Communications Commission headquarters can be reached in person at 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
History of the 813 Area Code
Area code 813 was established in 1953 as one of Florida’s primary numbering zones. Over time, the population in western and southwestern Florida grew, prompting several adjustments to ease the increasing demand for telephone numbers.
Below is a brief timeline of notable changes:
- 1953: Creation of area code 813 to serve a wide region of western Florida.
- 1995: Area code 941 split from 813, reducing its geographic coverage.
- 1998: Area code 727 was introduced for Pinellas County and certain coastal areas, leading 813 to primarily serve Hillsborough County and adjacent communities.
- 2022: Additional overlays were proposed to accommodate continued population and telecommunications growth in the region.
According to Florida Department of State statistics, these measures were necessary to maintain consistent and reliable phone service as new residents and businesses increased their demand for telephone lines. Each split or overlay was deliberated in coordination with the Florida Public Service Commission to minimize confusion among local communities.
How Many People Use the 813 Area Code?
The 813 area code covers a broad section of the Tampa metropolitan area, encompassing over a million residents and thousands of businesses. While the exact number of assigned telephone numbers fluctuates with ongoing population growth and the emergence of new telephone-based services, industry estimates suggest there are well over a million active lines within this area code.
Local governments, such as Hillsborough County, rely on accurate population figures to plan expansions in infrastructure and make future projections. For updated data, visit the official Hillsborough County statistics webpage or consult Florida Public Service Commission’s relevant guidelines to stay informed about numbering resource decisions.
Is the 813 Area Code Toll-Free?
The 813 area code is a standard geographic designation assigned to the Tampa Bay region. It is not classified as a toll-free number range. Calls within area code 813 may still incur local or long-distance charges, depending on a caller’s service plan. Toll-free exchanges in the United States generally begin with area codes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. These are distinct from geographic codes like 813.
Certain businesses and government agencies in the Tampa Bay region do opt for separate toll-free lines to accommodate statewide or national customers. However, typical day-to-day communication within this code follows standard telecom billing practices set by local service providers. To learn more about toll-free regulations and consumer protections, refer to the official Florida Public Service Commission site or the Federal Communications Commission resources.