The 727 area code serves the Tampa Bay area's western shore in Florida, covering St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and surrounding communities in Pinellas County and western Pasco County. It's one of Florida's most recognizable area codes, serving nearly 3 million residents in a region known for its beaches, tourism, and growing tech industry.
Created in 1998 when it split from the original 813 area code, 727 has become synonymous with Florida's Gulf Coast lifestyle. Whether you're getting a call from a local business, a vacation rental, or someone enjoying retirement in the Sunshine State, 727 connects you to this popular region.
If you're receiving calls from 727 numbers or considering getting a Florida phone number, here's what you need to know.
Where Is the 727 Area Code Located?
The 727 area code covers a narrow coastal region in west-central Florida, directly across Tampa Bay from Tampa itself. The coverage area spans approximately 608 square miles and includes some of Florida's most popular destinations.
Interestingly, most of Oldsmar remains in the 813 area code despite being geographically within the 727 region. This quirk exists because Oldsmar's telephone infrastructure was wired into Tampa's system, and rewiring it during the 1998 split would have been prohibitively expensive.
Geographic Boundaries
The 727 area code is roughly bounded by:
North: Pasco County line (New Port Richey area)
South: Tampa Bay entrance (St. Pete Beach)
West: Gulf of Mexico
East: Tampa Bay (with Tampa/813 on the other side)
This creates a distinctive peninsula-shaped coverage area that mirrors Pinellas County's geography.
The History of the 727 Area Code
Understanding the 727 area code means understanding Tampa Bay's explosive growth in the late 20th century.
Before 1998: The 813 Era
For 43 years, the entire Tampa Bay region shared the 813 area code. This included Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, and surrounding communities—a massive area serving millions of people.
By the mid-1990s, the situation became untenable. Rapid residential development, business expansion, cell phones, fax machines, pagers, and dial-up internet connections were consuming available phone numbers at an unprecedented rate.
July 1, 1998: The Split
On July 1, 1998, the 727 area code was born. It became the 242nd area code in service nationally and the 11th area code in Florida.
Originally, phone regulators planned an "overlay"—where new numbers in the same geographic area would get the new code while existing numbers kept 813. However, overlays were controversial at the time because they required 10-digit dialing for all calls.
GTE (now part of Frontier Communications), the dominant carrier in the Tampa Bay area, successfully lobbied to change the plan to a geographic split instead. The split largely followed county lines:
727: Pinellas County and western Pasco County (Gulf Coast side)
813: Hillsborough County, eastern Pasco County, and Tampa (bay side)
Community Reaction
Reactions to the split were mixed. Many long-time residents saw 813 as part of their identity and weren't thrilled about the change. However, the community eventually embraced 727, and it's now strongly associated with the Gulf Coast lifestyle.
Today: Related Area Codes
The Tampa Bay metropolitan area now uses several area codes:
727 — St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulf Coast
813 — Tampa, eastern suburbs
656 — Overlay for 727 (introduced for new numbers)
839 — Overlay for 813
If you're curious about other major area codes, check out our guide to the 312 area code covering Chicago.
727 Area Code Time Zone
The 727 area code operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET):
When planning calls to or from 727 numbers, keep these time differences in mind:
Florida observes Daylight Saving Time, so the offset changes in spring and fall.
Is the 727 Area Code Legitimate? Scam Warnings
Here's the truth: the 727 area code is completely legitimate, serving millions of real residents and businesses. However, scammers frequently spoof 727 numbers because Florida area codes are familiar to people nationwide—many Americans have friends, family, or business contacts in the Sunshine State.
Most Common 727 Scams
Based on consumer reports, here are the top scam types originating from (or spoofed as) 727 numbers:
Health Insurance Scams (18% of reports)
Callers claim to offer "new Medicare benefits" or "affordable health insurance." They're often phishing for personal information or trying to enroll you in fraudulent plans.
Auto Warranty Scams (7% of reports)
The classic "your car's warranty is about to expire" robocall. These callers don't know what car you drive and are trying to sell worthless coverage.
Solar Panel Scams (5% of reports)
Florida's sunshine makes it a target for solar scams. Callers promise unrealistic savings or government rebates that don't exist.
Real Estate/Home Buying Scams
Robocalls from "Amber" or "Tyler" claiming to be local investors who "saw your property" and want to make a cash offer. These are often lowball pressure tactics.
Fake Google Business Listing Calls
Scammers target local businesses, claiming their Google listing is "not verified" and customers can't find them. They pressure you to "press 1" to speak with a specialist.
Fake Legal/Debt Collection Calls
Callers pretend to be from a law firm or debt collector, falsely claiming a complaint has been filed against you. They demand immediate payment to "resolve" the issue.
Cities with Most Spam Reports from 727
Largo, FL — 11.5% of complaints
St. Petersburg, FL — 5.8% of complaints
Clearwater, FL — 4.7% of complaints
New Port Richey, FL — 3.8% of complaints
How to Protect Yourself
Don't trust caller ID — Numbers can be spoofed to show any 727 number
Never share sensitive information — Real businesses don't cold-call asking for SSN, Medicare numbers, or payment
Hang up and call back — If a call seems legitimate, look up the official number and call directly
Use call blocking apps — Nomorobo, Hiya, or Truecaller can filter known scam numbers
Report scam calls — File complaints at reportfraud.ftc.gov
If you want more control over your incoming calls, learn how to use call forwarding codes to redirect calls to a different number when needed.
When 727 Calls ARE Legitimate
Most 727 calls are perfectly legitimate. Expect real calls from:
Florida-based businesses and employers
Medical offices and hospitals (BayCare, Johns Hopkins All Children's)
Tourism and hospitality companies
Real estate agencies (legitimate ones)
Government offices (Pinellas County, City of St. Petersburg)
Friends and family visiting or living in the area
Should You Get a 727 Phone Number?
If you're establishing a presence in the Tampa Bay area, here's what to consider:
Pros of a 727 Number
Local credibility: Florida residents recognize 727 as Gulf Coast
Tourism association: Strong connection to vacation destinations
Business presence: Signals you serve the St. Petersburg/Clearwater market
Growing tech hub: St. Petersburg's tech scene is expanding rapidly
Cons of a 727 Number
Spam association: High volume of scam calls from this area code
Not Tampa proper: If your business is in Tampa, 813 might be more appropriate
No practical advantage: For national businesses, area code matters less
How to Get a 727 Number
Major carriers: Request when setting up service in the area
VoIP providers: Google Voice, Grasshopper, or OpenPhone may have 727 numbers
Business phone services: RingCentral, Nextiva, and similar providers offer local numbers
Major Landmarks and Businesses in 727
The 727 area code covers a region packed with notable destinations:
Beaches:
Clearwater Beach (consistently rated top US beach)
St. Pete Beach
Indian Rocks Beach
Treasure Island
Cultural Attractions:
The Dalí Museum (St. Petersburg)
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Sunken Gardens
Great Explorations Children's Museum
Sports:
Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays)
Raymond James Stadium nearby
Spring training facilities
Healthcare:
BayCare Health System
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
Morton Plant Hospital
Major Employers:
Tech Data Corporation
HSN (Home Shopping Network)
Raymond James Financial
Jabil
Publix (major presence)
Related Florida Area Codes
Understanding Florida's area code landscape helps identify where callers are located:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 727 a Florida area code?
Yes, 727 is a Florida area code serving the Tampa Bay area's Gulf Coast, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Pinellas County. It was created in 1998 when it split from the original 813 area code.
What area code is 727 in the USA?
The 727 area code covers west-central Florida, specifically the St. Petersburg and Clearwater metropolitan area. It serves Pinellas County and the western portion of Pasco County.
Is 727 a scam area code?
No, 727 is a legitimate Florida area code serving millions of residents. However, scammers frequently spoof 727 numbers because Florida codes are familiar nationwide. Always verify callers independently.
What's the difference between 727 and 813?
Both serve the Tampa Bay area, but 727 covers the Gulf Coast (St. Petersburg, Clearwater) while 813 covers Tampa and the eastern side of the bay. They split in 1998.
What time zone is the 727 area code?
The 727 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). That's UTC-5 during standard time and UTC-4 during daylight saving time.
Is Clearwater Beach in the 727 area code?
Yes, Clearwater Beach and all of Clearwater are within the 727 area code, along with other Gulf Coast beaches like St. Pete Beach and Indian Rocks Beach.
Why did 727 split from 813?
The split happened in 1998 because the Tampa Bay region was running out of phone numbers. Rapid growth, cell phones, fax machines, and internet connections exhausted the available numbers in the original 813 code.
Can I get a 727 phone number if I don't live in Florida?
Yes, many VoIP providers and business phone services offer 727 numbers regardless of your physical location. This is useful for businesses wanting a Florida presence.
What is the 656 area code?
656 is an overlay for the 727 area code, serving the same geographic region. It was introduced to provide additional phone numbers as 727 numbers became scarce.
Is it safe to answer calls from 727?
As safe as any area code. Many legitimate businesses and residents use 727 numbers. However, be cautious of unsolicited calls asking for personal information or immediate payment—these are likely scams regardless of the area code displayed.
Related Guides
Looking for more helpful phone guides? Check out these articles:
312 Area Code — Chicago's original area code and what you need to know
The 727 area code represents one of Florida's most desirable regions—from the white sand beaches of Clearwater to the cultural attractions of St. Petersburg. While it's a legitimate code serving nearly 3 million people, you should stay vigilant about scam calls spoofing these numbers.
Key takeaways:
727 covers St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Florida's Gulf Coast
Created in 1998 when it split from the 813 area code
Eastern Time Zone (same as New York)
Common scams include health insurance, auto warranty, and real estate schemes
Most 727 calls are legitimate—just verify before sharing personal information
Whether you're receiving calls from 727 or considering a Florida phone number, understanding this area code helps you navigate both legitimate connections and potential scams.
