In the state of Florida, the city of Tampa with its metropolitan area is currently served by NPA 813 – the area code used mainly by residents of Hillsborough and Pasco counties (Apollo Beach, Oldsmar, Tampa, Temple Terrace or Zephyrhills are some of the cities covered by this Numbering Plan Area). Florida ‘s Public Service Commission recently approved a new overlay area code which will cover the same geographic area served by NPA 813. The new 656 area code is scheduled to enter service next year in November.
Key dates
- April 17, 2021 – permissive 7/10 digit dialing period begins for subscribers using 813 prefixed phone numbers (during the permissive period calls to other 813 local numbers may be dialed using both 7 or 10 digits, the latter is encouraged)
- October 16, 2021 – mandatory 10 digit dialing begins
- November 16, 2021 – area code 656 enters service
See official NANPA announcement and map of the future overlay complex 813/656 (PDF document)
Where can I buy a new 656 phone number of my choice for my business???
Hello Mark,
I would guess your best bet would be to contact your wireline or wireless provider, depending on the type of phone line you wish to subscribe to. There is also the VoIP option, offering many useful features.