Overview of Area Code 656
Area code 656 is an overlay for the existing 813 area code, covering Tampa and surrounding areas in Hillsborough County, Florida. It was introduced in February 2022 due to the rapid growth and demand for new numbers in the Tampa Bay area. The 656 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) and supports 10-digit dialing.
Want to tap into the vibrant Tampa market with a fresh local number? Get your 656 area code number today with Falkon SMS.
Cities and Counties Covered
The 656 area code overlays the same geographic region as 813, serving the west-central part of Florida. Major cities and areas include:
Cities
Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Temple Terrace
Counties
Hillsborough County
Why Businesses Use a 656 Number
Businesses choose a 656 number to establish a strong local presence in the greater Tampa area:
Builds Trust and Credibility
Customers are more likely to trust and engage with a business that uses a familiar, Tampa-based 656 local area code.
Local Marketing and Presence
A 656 local number strengthens your presence in the Tampa Bay area, improves local SEO, supports targeted advertising, and helps nearby customers find you more easily on maps and search engines.
Increased Response Rates
Tampa residents are more likely to answer calls from a 656 number, which can lead to higher pick-up rates, better conversions, and stronger customer engagement.
Text-Enable or Port Your 656 Number
Already have a 656, 813, or Tampa-area number? Falkon SMS can text-enable your existing landline, or VoIP. We also offer number porting, allowing you to move your number to Falkon SMS while maintaining your established contact info.
Enhance Your Business Operations with Falkon SMS Features
Falkon SMS helps Tampa-based businesses simplify customer communication with:
Group Texting
Reach large audiences with a single text to announce promotions or send updates.
Auto Replies
Stay responsive even after hours with automated responses.
Message Scheduling
Schedule texts in advance to ensure timely delivery, no matter where you are.
Time Zone Details
Standard Time
Eastern Standard Time (EST) – UTC-5
Daylight Saving Time
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) – UTC-4
DST in 2025
Starts March 9, 2025, and ends November 2, 2025
History of the 656 Area Code
Introduced in 2022, area code 656 was implemented as an overlay to the exhausted 813 area code. With Tampa’s growing population and booming commercial activity, the new overlay ensured a continued supply of local numbers. As part of the overlay, 10-digit dialing became mandatory for local calls.
Dialing Guidelines
Local Calls
Dial the 10-digit number (656-XXX-XXXX)
Long-Distance
Dial 1 + 656 + 7-digit number
International
Dial +1 (656) XXX-XXXX
Economic and Cultural Importance
The 656 area code covers Tampa, a dynamic region that plays a central role in Florida’s economy and cultural landscape:
Tourism & Recreation
Tampa is a top tourist destination, featuring attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and nearby Gulf Coast beaches. The city's historic Ybor City district and annual events like Gasparilla also draw visitors from around the world.
Finance & Business Services
Tampa is a growing center for financial and professional services, with major firms like JPMorgan Chase, Citi, and PwC maintaining a strong presence in the area.
Healthcare & Education
The region is anchored by institutions like the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital, driving excellence in healthcare, education, and medical research.
Innovation & Technology
Tampa’s tech scene is on the rise, supported by incubators, accelerators, and a growing startup ecosystem. The city has become a magnet for tech talent and innovation, particularly in cybersecurity and health tech.
Scam Warning
Scammers may use spoofed 656 numbers to trick recipients into answering or sharing information. Always verify unexpected calls before engaging or responding.
Major Carriers
The 656 area code is supported by a variety of service providers, including:
If you have a phone number with a 656 area code and want to enable text messaging capabilities, Falkon SMS can help. Whether it's a landline, VoIP number, or business line, we offer reliable solutions to text-enable your existing number.
