Milestone Change Will Strengthen Civic Identity and Boost Community Pride

The City of Oakland Park is proud to announce that it is one step closer to receiving its own unique ZIP code, following the passage of H.R. 3095 in the U.S. House of Representatives that would direct the United States Postal Service to designate new ZIP codes for over 60 communities nationwide. This historic milestone is the culmination of years of advocacy from city leaders, residents, and partners in Washington.

For decades, Oakland Park has shared nine ZIP codes with surrounding cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Wilton Manors, and Lauderdale Lakes. This overlap has complicated mail delivery, hindered data collection, diluted the city’s civic identity, and created challenges with tax revenue, business development, insurance rates, and access to grant funding tied to regional data.

A unified ZIP code will streamline mail delivery and enhance Oakland Park’s representation in regional data collection and grant funding decisions. This critical change will help ensure the city’s needs are more accurately reflected in funding allocations and public services, while fostering a stronger sense of community pride among residents.

“This is an exciting day for Oakland Park. We’ve worked tirelessly for years to secure a ZIP code that reflects our identity as a vibrant, independent city,” said Oakland Park Mayor Tim Lonergan. “Having a unique ZIP code will help our community stand on its own, improve our visibility in important data and grant decisions, and support equitable development. We are thrilled to see this long-standing effort gain strong momentum.”

The federal legislation – led by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) – passed the U.S. House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support. The bill must now be approved by the U.S. Senate before it can be signed into law by the President. Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), whose district includes Oakland Park, was among the bill’s 33 cosponsors and played an important role in advocating for local communities like Oakland Park to be included in the measure.

The ZIP code system, introduced in the 1960s, is used by the Postal Service to deliver mail but is also a critical tool for economic developers, insurers, and policymakers. Communities lacking a unique ZIP code often face diminished public identity, lost sales tax revenue, unjustifiably high insurance rates, and challenges securing funding for local initiatives.

If enacted, the legislation would require the United States Postal Service to implement the new ZIP codes within 270 days of the bill becoming law.

“This achievement is the result of persistent advocacy by our City Commission, residents, and staff, who have championed this cause for many years,” Mayor Lonergan added. “Oakland Park has always taken pride in its distinct identity, and this new ZIP code will reinforce and elevate our sense of community.”

For more information about Oakland Park, please visit www.oaklandparkfl.gov or call 954-630-4200.