For nearly a quarter of a century, Palm Beach County has used 561 as its area code. But starting in Summer 2022, new customers or anyone requesting additional phone lines will be given a number with the new area code: 728.

Citing a growing populating and emerging technologies requiring the new numbers, the Florida Public Service Commission states the new area code will cover the exact geographic locations as the current 561 does.

While existing 561 numbers will not be affected, there are a couple things you should do to ensure you’re set up for the change.

• Callers within the 561 area code will now have to dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number for local calls. (Prior to this, it was not necessary to dial 561 when calling within the same area code.)
• Ensure your mobile devices recognize the new 728 area code as a valid area code and not spam.
• Update your contacts on all mobile devices to have the appropriate area code included in the contact’s phone number.
• Update any equipment that may use a local phone number such as life-safety systems, medical monitoring devices, security systems, call forwarding and speed dialing.

“Florida is fortunate to have great weather, a healthy economy and a growing population — especially in beautiful Palm Beach County,” stated Andrew Giles, the Florida Public Service Commission Chairman. “As a result of Florida’s growth and the depletion of 561 phone numbers, the commission has approved an additional area code to satisfy the growing consumer demand.”

So just as we welcome our new friends and neighbors to our sunny state, we must also welcome the changes that accompany them.

If you have any questions about change in area code or need help updating your systems, please don’t hesitate to reach out!