FAQs for the Florida 786 Area Code Overlay Expansion to the 305 Keys

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. In this instance, the existing 786 area code is expanding to cover the Florida Keys currently served by the 305 area code. With the expansion of this overlay, you won't have to change your existing area code or phone number. You'll simply continue to dial or enter the area code and 7-digit phone number for all calls.

Anyone who has a 305 phone number from the Florida Keys should be aware that the new 786 area code will expand to cover the entire 305 geographic area, including Monroe County and the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys includes communities such as:

• Big Pine Key
  
• Islamorada
• Key Colony Beach
  
• Key Largo
  
• Key West
• Layton
• Marathon
• North Key Largo
• Sugar Loaf Shores

The map below shows the 305 / 786 overlay area, including the Florida Keys.

Beginning June 1, 2015, new phone lines or services in the Florida Keys may be assigned numbers with the 786 area code. If you receive a 786 area code, you must enter the area code and 7-digit phone number on all calls or the call won't be completed. If you have a 305 area code, simply continue to enter the area code and phone number for all calls.

The 786 area code is expanding to the 305 Keys to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers for the Keys. Because more than one area code will serve the same geographic region, the area code and phone number must be used when calling any phone number, including calls within the same area code.

No. You'll continue entering the area code for all calls. Your current area code and phone number will not change. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services will not change because of the expansion of the overlay. All local calls will remain local.

In addition to continuing to enter the area code and phone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

• Continue to identify your phone number as a 10-digit number (area code + 7-digit phone number), and include the area code when giving your number to friends, family, business associates and customers.
  
  
• Ensure that all services and devices, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment recognize the 786 area code as a valid area code. Some examples include:
  
  
  • Life safety systems and medical monitoring devices
  • Fire or burglar alarm and security systems
  • Security gates
  • Speed dialers
  • Call forwarding settings
  • Fax machines
  • Internet dial-up numbers
  • Voice mail services and similar functions
  
  
• Double-check your websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and your ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

You'll continue to enter the area code and phone number for all calls. The following items will remain the same and won't change:

• Your phone number, including current area code
• The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services
• Calls that are considered local now will remain local calls
• 911 calls are not affected, only three digits are required
• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you'll still be able to call them by entering just three digits

 

Because two area codes (305 and 786) will serve the same geographic area, everyone with 305 and 786 numbers will need to enter the area code and phone number for all calls.

If you have any questions about the 786 area code overlay expansion to the 305 Keys, please contact us at (800) 922-0204.