The 727 area code is a recognized area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) and serves a highly populated coastal region of Florida.
Area Code 727 is located in the west central region of Florida, covering Pinellas County and the western portion of Pasco County. This includes the major metropolitan areas across the Gulf Coast side of the Tampa Bay region, such as St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
The 727 area code was created in 1998 when it split from the original 813 area code. This article provides a definitive breakdown of the geographic coverage, time zone, and dialing rules for the 727 area code.
727 Area Code: Location and Geographic Coverage
The 727 area code is strongly associated with Florida’s famous Gulf Coast beaches and the cultural centers of the Tampa Bay area.
Counties and Major Cities Covered
The 727 area code primarily covers the following two counties in Florida:
| County | Major Cities/Communities |
| Pinellas County | St. Petersburg (The largest city), Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Safety Harbor. |
| Pasco County | Western areas of the county, including New Port Richey, Port Richey, Holiday, and Hudson. |
Historical Context
- Origin: The entire region was originally served by the 813 area code.
- Split: Area Code 727 was split off from 813 in February 1998 to accommodate the rapid population growth and telecommunications demand, particularly in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas. Unlike some splits, the 727 area remains geographically distinct from 813 (which covers Tampa).
Time Zone
The entire region covered by the 727 area code operates within the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
- Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST) – UTC-5
- Daylight Saving Time: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) – UTC-4
Dialing Rules and Neighboring Area Codes
Since 727 is a single, self-contained area code (not an overlay with another code), 7-digit dialing used to be the norm for local calls. However, due to national mandates, 10-digit dialing is now generally the standard practice throughout Florida.
- Standard Dialing Format: 10 digits (Area Code + 7-digit local number).
- Example: (727) XXX-XXXX
Neighboring Area Codes
The 727 area code is part of the larger Tampa Bay region and borders several other Florida codes:
- East: 813 (Covers Tampa and most of Hillsborough County).
- North: 352 (Covers Central Florida areas like Gainesville).
- South: 941 (Covers Sarasota and Manatee counties).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the 727 area code associated with scam calls?
Yes, the 727 area code is sometimes used by scammers, particularly due to the high volume of calls received by residents in the busy Tampa Bay area. Law enforcement frequently warns residents of St. Petersburg and Clearwater about local number spoofing, where scammers disguise their international or VoIP number to appear as a local 727 number (e.g., impersonating the local police or IRS). As always, never give personal information to an unsolicited caller.
Do I have to dial the ‘1’ before calling a 727 number?
When calling from a mobile phone within the United States, you typically do not need to dial the ‘1’ prefix. 10-digit dialing (727 + 7 digits) is sufficient. However, some landline carriers or VoIP services may still require the 1-727-XXX-XXXX format for long-distance calls.
Can I get a 727 number if I don’t live in Florida?
Yes. Modern VoIP services allow individuals and businesses to purchase virtual phone numbers with the 727 area code to establish a local presence in St. Petersburg or Clearwater, regardless of their actual physical location.
Conclusion
The 727 area code clearly identifies a number as originating from the vibrant Gulf Coast cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater in Florida. When placing a call, always use the 10-digit dialing format, and remain vigilant against potential local-spoofing scams targeting residents of the Tampa Bay region.
