The 850 Area Code covers the state of Florida, specifically the panhandle region.
Area code 850 is located in the Florida Panhandle, which is the western portion of Florida.
History Of 850 Area Code
The 850 area code was created in 1998 in a split from area code 904. It covers the Florida Panhandle, including the major cities of Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Panama City.
The original plan for the 850 area code was to use it as a relief code for the 904 area code, which was running out of numbers..
However, this plan was changed in favor of a plan that moved the Gainesville LATA to a new area code, 352, and kept the Daytona Beach LATA in 904 along with the rest of northern Florida.
The 850 area code was put into service on March 23, 1998. At the time, it covered 18 counties in the Florida Panhandle. In 2019, area code 448 was assigned as a second code to the same area in an overlay plan.
This means that new phone numbers in the Florida Panhandle can be assigned either area code 850 or area code 448.
As of May 2021, mandatory ten-digit local calling is required in the 850 and 448 area codes.
This means that all calls within the area code, including local calls, must be placed with the area code included.
The 850 area code is home to a variety of businesses and industries, including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
It is also home to several military bases, including Eglin Air Force Base and Tyndall Air Force Base.
The 850 area code is a vibrant and growing region of Florida. It is home to a diverse population and offers a variety of amenities and attractions.
850 Area Code Location & Notable Places
- Florida State University: Founded in 1851, this research school features varied areas of study & a renowned sports program. It is located at 600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA and has a 4.5 star rating on Google Maps.
- Tallahassee Community College: This public community college offers a variety of associate’s degrees and certificates. It is located at 444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304, USA and has a 4.2 star rating on Google Maps.
- Pensacola State College: This public community college offers a variety of associate’s degrees and certificates. It is located at 1000 College Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32504, USA and has a 3.9 star rating on Google Maps.
- Gulf Coast State College: This public community college offers a variety of associate’s degrees and certificates. It is located at 5230 US-98, Panama City, FL 32401, USA and has a 4.3 star rating on Google Maps.
- Eglin Air Force Base: This active-duty United States Air Force base is located in the western Florida Panhandle. It is one of the largest Air Force bases in the world and is home to a variety of aircraft and missions. It is located at Eglin AFB, FL 32542, USA and has a 0 star rating on Google Maps.
- Tyndall Air Force Base: This active-duty United States Air Force base is located in the Florida Panhandle. It is home to the 325th Fighter Wing, which flies the F-22 Raptor. It is located at Tyndall AFB, FL 32403, USA and has a 0 Star rating on Google maps.
- National Naval Aviation Museum: This museum features a collection of over 150 restored aircraft, a flight simulator, and a giant-screen theater. It is located at 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, USA and has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps.
- Pensacola Beach: This popular beach destination is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is known for its white sand beaches, clear water, and variety of activities. It is located at Pensacola Beach, FL, USA and has a 0 star rating on Google Maps.
- Panama City Beach: This popular beach destination is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is known for its white sand beaches, clear water, and variety of activities. It is located at Panama City Beach, FL, USA and has a 0 star rating on Google Maps.
- St. George Island: This barrier island is located in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida. It is known for its quiet beaches, low-rise hotels, and water sports. It is located at St. George Island, Florida 32328, USA and has a 4.8 star rating on Google Maps.
- Destin: This popular beach destination is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is known for its white sand beaches, clear water, and variety of activities. It is located at Destin, FL 32541, USA and has a 0 star rating on Google Maps.
- Fort Walton Beach: This city is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is known for its beaches, military bases, and proximity to Destin. It is located at Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA and has a 0 star rating on Google maps.
Economy Of 850 Area Code?
The economy of the 850 area code is diverse, with a mix of industries including tourism, government, military, and agriculture.
- Tourism is a major driver of the economy in the 850 area code, with popular destinations such as Pensacola Beach, Panama City Beach, and Destin attracting millions of visitors each year. These visitors come to enjoy the area’s beautiful beaches, clear water, and variety of activities, such as swimming, fishing, boating, and golfing.
- Government is also a major employer in the 850 area code, with the Florida state government, the federal government, and local governments all having a significant presence in the region. The state capital of Tallahassee is located in the 850 area code, and the city is home to a number of state government offices and agencies. The federal government also has a number of facilities in the region, including Eglin Air Force Base and Tyndall Air Force Base.
- Military is another important sector of the economy in the 850 area code. Eglin Air Force Base and Tyndall Air Force Base are two of the largest Air Force bases in the world, and they employ thousands of people in the region. The military also has a significant impact on the local economy through its spending on goods and services.
- Agriculture is also a significant sector of the economy in the 850 area code. The region is home to a number of farms and ranches that produce a variety of agricultural products, including peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and cattle. Agriculture is an important source of income for many families in the region, and it also plays a role in supporting other industries, such as food processing and transportation.
In addition to these major industries, the 850 area code is also home to a number of other businesses, such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
The region’s economy is growing, and new businesses are being created all the time.
Culture Of 850 Area Code
The culture of the 850 area code is a diverse mix of Southern hospitality, military pride, and beach bum vibes.
The region is home to a variety of people, including college students, retirees, military personnel, and families.
One of the most defining aspects of the culture in the 850 area code is its Southern hospitality.
People in this region are typically friendly and welcoming, and they go out of their way to make others feel comfortable.
This is evident in the many small businesses and restaurants that are owned and operated by locals, who are always happy to chat with customers.
Finally, the 850 area code is also known for its beach bum vibes. The region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Pensacola Beach, Panama City Beach, and Destin.
As a result, many people in the area enjoy spending time outdoors and participating in water sports.
This is evident in the many beach resorts and attractions that are located in the region.
Future Of 850 Area Code
The future of the 850 area code looks bright. The Florida Panhandle is a growing region, with a strong economy and a diverse population. The area is home to a number of major universities and businesses, as well as popular tourist destinations.
The 850 area code is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. As the population grows, so will the need for new phone numbers.
However, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) is already planning for this growth. In 2019, NANPA assigned the 448 area code as a second code to the same area in an overlay plan. This means that both 850 and 448 area codes will be used in the Florida Panhandle.
The overlay plan is a way to extend the life of the 850 area code without having to split the area geographically.
This is a more efficient and cost-effective solution, and it is also more convenient for residents and businesses.
In addition to the overlay plan, NANPA is also working on new technologies that will make it possible to use more phone numbers.
For example, NANPA is developing a new numbering system called 10-digit local dialing (10DLD). 10DLD will require all callers to dial 10 digits, even for local calls. This will allow NANPA to use more numbers for each area code.