The 813 area code is a significant part of the telecommunications landscape in Florida, especially in the Tampa Bay region. This area code serves one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing areas in the state, connecting residents and businesses in and around Tampa. As the population of the Tampa Bay area continues to expand, the 813 area code remains a vital component of the region’s infrastructure. In this article, we will explore the history of the 813 area code, its geographical coverage, its significance for local businesses, and how it operates today.
What Is the 813 Area Code?
The 813 area code is a telephone code primarily serving the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, which includes Tampa, Riverview, Plant City, and surrounding communities in Hillsborough County. It was established in 1953, replacing parts of the original 305 area code. Over the years, the 813 area code has become synonymous with the Tampa Bay region, serving as a key identifier for both residents and businesses.
Today, the 813 area code is known for covering a significant portion of the west-central Florida area. It is crucial for providing telecommunications services to one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, where industries such as finance, healthcare, tourism, and sports thrive.
History of the 813 Area Code
The 813 area code was introduced on January 1, 1953, as part of an area code split from the 305 area code, which originally covered the entire state of Florida. At that time, the 813 area code covered a large portion of west-central Florida, stretching from the Tampa Bay area to cities like Fort Myers and Naples.
The Split and Introduction of the 941 Area Code
As Florida’s population grew rapidly during the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in coastal and metropolitan areas, the demand for new phone numbers increased. In response, the southern part of the 813 area code was split off in 1996 to create the 941 area code. This new code served areas such as Sarasota, Bradenton, and Fort Myers, leaving the 813 area code to serve the Tampa Bay region.
Since then, the 813 area code has been used exclusively for the Tampa Bay area, which includes the bustling city of Tampa, its surrounding suburbs, and nearby communities in Hillsborough County.
Geographical Scope of the 813 Area Code
The 813 area code covers the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, which is one of the largest and most economically diverse regions in Florida. The Tampa Bay area is known for its vibrant culture, thriving business community, and beautiful beaches, attracting tourists, residents, and businesses alike.
Key Areas Served by the 813 Area Code:
- Tampa: The largest city in the 813 area code, Tampa is a major hub for finance, healthcare, education, and tourism. The city is known for its sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays.
- Riverview: A growing suburban community located southeast of Tampa, known for its residential developments and family-friendly environment.
- Plant City: A smaller city located east of Tampa, Plant City is known for its agricultural roots, particularly its strawberry farms and annual Strawberry Festival.
- Temple Terrace: A suburban city located northeast of Tampa, known for its residential neighborhoods and proximity to the University of South Florida.
- Brandon: A large suburb located east of Tampa, known for its shopping centers, restaurants, and growing business community.
Table: Breakdown of Areas Covered by the 813 Area Code
| City in Tampa Bay Area | Primary Area Code | Overlay Area Code |
| Tampa | 813 | N/A |
| Riverview | 813 | N/A |
| Plant City | 813 | N/A |
| Temple Terrace | 813 | N/A |
| Brandon | 813 | N/A |
While the 813 area code continues to serve the Tampa Bay region, plans for an overlay area code may be considered in the future as demand for new numbers increases.
How to Dial the 813 Area Code
Dialing a number with the 813 area code follows the standard dialing procedures in North America. Since the 813 area code does not currently have an overlay, 7-digit dialing is still available for local calls within the 813 area code. However, many people in the region already use 10-digit dialing, which includes the area code, due to the widespread use of cell phones and business lines.
Dialing from the US
- Local Calls: To dial a local 813 number from within the Tampa Bay area, you can either dial the 7-digit local number (e.g., 123-4567) or the full 10-digit number, including the 813 area code (e.g., 813-123-4567).
- Long-Distance Calls: If you are calling a number with the 813 area code from outside the Tampa Bay area but within the U.S., dial 1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 813 and the 7-digit local number (e.g., 1-813-123-4567).
Dialing from Abroad
When dialing a number with the 813 area code from outside the U.S., you will need to use the international dialing code for the United States, which is +1, followed by the 813 area code and the local number. The format is as follows:
- Dial +1 813 followed by the 7-digit local number (e.g., +1 813 123 4567).
This ensures that your call is directed to the correct recipient in the Tampa Bay region.
Also Read: 786 Area Code
Importance of the 813 Area Code for Businesses
The 813 area code is particularly important for businesses operating in the Tampa Bay area. As one of the fastest-growing regions in Florida, Tampa is home to a diverse economy, with industries ranging from finance and healthcare to tourism and technology. Having a local phone number with the 813 area code can help businesses establish credibility and build trust with local customers.
Benefits for Businesses Using the 813 Area Code:
- Local Presence: A phone number with the 813 area code signals to customers that your business is based in or serves the Tampa Bay area, which can help establish trust and credibility with local clients.
- Connection to a Thriving Economy: Tampa is a rapidly growing city with a thriving economy. Having a local phone number allows businesses to tap into this expanding market.
- Tourism and Hospitality: As a popular destination for tourists, businesses in the hospitality and service industries can benefit from a local 813 number that is familiar to visitors and residents alike.
Even businesses located outside of the Tampa Bay area can acquire an 813 number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in this key Florida market.
The Future of the 813 Area Code
As Tampa and the surrounding areas continue to grow, the demand for new phone numbers is expected to increase. While the 813 area code still provides sufficient numbers for the region, it is possible that an overlay area code could be introduced in the future to accommodate the growing population and business community.
Currently, no overlay area code has been introduced, and the 813 area code continues to serve as the primary telephone code for the Tampa Bay area. However, as Tampa’s population continues to expand, new developments in telecommunications are likely to shape the future of the 813 area code.
FAQs About the 813 Area Code
What areas are covered by the 813 area code?
The 813 area code covers the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, including cities such as Tampa, Riverview, Plant City, and Temple Terrace in Hillsborough County.
Is the 813 area code still available for new phone numbers?
Yes, the 813 area code is still in use, and new phone numbers with the 813 area code are assigned in the Tampa Bay area. However, if demand increases, an overlay area code may be introduced in the future.
How do I call a number with the 813 area code from outside the U.S.?
To call a number with the 813 area code from abroad, dial +1 (the U.S. country code), followed by 813 and the 7-digit local number.
Can businesses outside of Tampa get a 813 area code number?
Yes, businesses can acquire a 813 area code number through VoIP services, allowing them to establish a virtual presence in the Tampa Bay area.
Why was the 941 area code introduced?
The 941 area code was introduced in 1996 as a split from the 813 area code to serve the southern part of west-central Florida, including cities such as Sarasota and Bradenton.
The 813 area code is an integral part of Tampa’s identity, serving the region’s residents, businesses, and visitors. From its early days as part of Florida’s original area code to its current role in supporting the vibrant Tampa Bay region, the 813 area code has played a key role in connecting one of the fastest-growing areas in the state.
As Tampa continues to expand and thrive, the 813 area code will remain a central part of its telecommunications infrastructure, providing phone numbers for businesses, government institutions, and individuals alike. Whether you’re a local resident, a business owner, or a visitor, the 813 area code is an essential link to the heart of Tampa’s growing economy and community.