813

The 813 area code, an integral part of the North American Numbering Plan, plays a significant role in the telecommunications landscape of Florida, USA. Geographical Coverage and Inclusion of Area Code 656: Area code 813 is primarily designated for the state of Florida, specifically serving the city of Tampa and its surrounding regions such as Zephyrhills and Oldsmar. Due to the increasing demand and the subsequent exhaustion of central office prefixes, area code 656 was introduced in 2022 as an overlay to the existing 813 area, thereby forming a complex service area​​. Extensive Service Area: The reach of area code 813 is quite expansive, covering 22 cities that include not just Tampa but also Clearwater, Brandon, Spring Hill, and Riverview. Moreover, it extends across three counties: Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and Pinellas County. This wide coverage reflects the area code's importance in connecting a significant portion of Florida's population and businesses​​. Historical Evolution: The establishment of area code 813 dates back to January 1, 1953. It was originally carved out from area code 305. Over the years, as the need for more numbers grew, area code 813 underwent further splits. In 1995, it was split to form area code 941, and in 1998, another split occurred to create area code 727. The introduction of area code 656 in 2022 as an overlay marks the latest development in its history​​​​. In conclusion, area code 813 not only serves a significant geographical area in Florida but also has a rich history of evolution and adaptation to meet the growing telecommunication needs of the region. Its role in connecting diverse cities and counties underscores its importance in the state's communication infrastructure.