Congress takes first step in unifying ZIP codes for the benefit of seven Broward communities

August 08, 2025

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By Judy Wilson | Associate Editor

A recently passed US House bill (H.R. 3095) would give seven Broward County cities now sharing ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) codes their own unique five-digit identifiers. Oakland Park, with nine shared ZIP codes, is one of them. The others are Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Wilton Manors, Hollywood, Coconut Creek, and Parkland. 

“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,” Mayor Tim Lonergran said. Currently, the city shares ZIP codes with Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Wilton Manors, and Lauderdale Lakes.

Wilton Manors with a population of about 12,000 has four codes and Deerfield Beach has three. One, 33064, is shared with Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, and HIllsboro Beach.

The congressman from this district, Jared Moskowitz (D), advocated that these communities be among the 74 nationwide included in the bill which was led by Florida representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R) and Colorado’s Lauren Boebert (R). Introduced in May, it moved speedily and was approved with bipartisan support in July.

The next stop is the US Senate’s Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. If the Senate bill emerges from committee for a vote and is successful, the US Postal Service will be required to implement the new ZIPs within 270 days.

Prior to the congressional vote, Deerfield Beach Mayor Todd Drosky contacted both Moskowitz and Boebert and urged their support. “Unifying Deerfield Beach under one ZIP code will bring better recognition for our residents and businesses,” he said this week. “One Deerfield Beach deserves one ZIP code.”

Deerfield’s shared ZIPs are the result of annexations that incorporated communities south and west of the city: Crystal Lake, The Highlands, Tallman Pines, Woodsetter, Bonnie Loch and other unincorporated areas north of Sample Road. Previously they all had Pompano Beach addresses. Currently, the small municipalities of Lighthouse Point and Hillsboro Beach share the 33064 ZIP with Pompano Beach.

Hillsboro Beach is not on the list of communities to receive its own ZIP but Mayor Dawn Miller wishes it was. “I suspect that the ballooning population in Broward County post-COVID creates a need for more specific ZIP codes to improve mail delivery, emergency response time, and clarity whenever an address is at issue. It may also help to allocate taxes more efficiently. I wish Hillsboro Beach were on the list. Because we share a ZIP code with Pompano, mail and package delivery is slowed. Emergency services would presumably be better served as well.”

In Wilton Manors, Mayor Scott Newman threw his support behind the bill, saying an inclusive ZIP would be fairer for his residents and businesses. He points to insurance rates which may be determined by the codes. Residents in a ZIP shared with a larger city, may be paying more than their neighbors, he said. “I am thrilled to see this come through.”

Lonergan has further benefits in mind for his city. “A unified ZIP code would enhance the city’s representation in data collection, grant allocation, and public services. It would also foster a stronger sense of community identity and pride among residents . . . streamline services and promote equitable development.”

In the press release issued by Oakland Park, the city states that the system introduced in the 1960s is a “critical tool for economy developers, insurers and policy makers. Communities that lack a unique ZIP often face lost sales tax revenues, high insurance rates, and challenges in securing funding for local initiatives.”

But not everyone believes the benefits of the bill are worthwhile. Deerfield Beach resident Mike Fortunado retired from the US Post Office in 2010 as head of the Fort Lauderdale District. He remembers that with population growth, deliveries were added to the closest route to be the most economical.

“By and large these cities have multiple ZIPs for easier sorting and less expensive processing costs,” Fortuado said. “What they are doing doesn’t make any sense in light of the cost of changing where routes are physically located. But that is just one old postal guy’s opinion.”