Receive a local area code
850
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Economic Overview
Area code 850 encompasses a diverse economy driven by tourism, military installations, higher education, government services, and agriculture. Key industries include defense (with multiple Air Force and Navy bases), hospitality, education (notably Florida State University and Florida A&M University), and state government. Major employers include the State of Florida, Eglin Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, and local hospitals.
Geographical Overview
Area code 850 covers the Florida Panhandle, including prominent cities such as Tallahassee, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, and Destin. It serves most of the region west of the Apalachicola River, stretching along the Gulf Coast and into the inland areas of northern Florida. The area spans several counties, including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Leon, and others.
Location Info
Area code 850 was created in 1997 as a split from area code 904 and covers the westernmost part of Florida, from the Alabama border in the west to the Apalachicola River in the east. It includes the entire Florida Panhandle, except for Gulf Breeze and some nearby communities, which use area code 448 as an overlay. Major cities in its coverage include Tallahassee (the state capital), Pensacola, Panama City, and Fort Walton Beach.
Population Demographics
The 850 area code region has a population characterized by a mix of college students, government workers, military personnel, retirees, and families. The population is racially and ethnically diverse, particularly in urban centers like Tallahassee and Pensacola, and tends to be younger in college towns and near military bases. Rural areas generally have older, less diverse populations compared to urban centers.
Time Zone Info
Area code 850 spans two time zones: most of the region, including Pensacola and Panama City, is in the Central Time Zone (CT), while the eastern portion, including Tallahassee, is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).
Other Area Code Details
The 850 area code region includes major tourist destinations such as the Emerald Coast beaches and the historic city of Pensacola, the first European settlement in the continental United States. The area is known for its white sandy beaches, significant military presence, and as the seat of Florida’s government in Tallahassee. In 2021, the 448 overlay was introduced due to increased demand for phone numbers.
