Area Code 850

Where Is Area Code 850?

Thousands of spring breakers, who are seeking cheap hotels and tons of sunshine, flock to the 850 area code every year. The 850 area code was implemented in 1997 after it was split from the 904 area code. Area code 904 was a split from the original 305 area code, and was initially used for the entire northern part of Florida. However, the 850 area code is only used for the Florida Panhandle.

The 850 area code is not solely a spring break destination; it is also home to the capital of Florida. With a population of just under 200,000 people, Tallahassee is a trade center in the 850 area code. Initially, Tallahassee was a center for trading slaves and cotton. However, after slavery ended, the 850 shifted its focus towards agricultural pursuits. Industries including citrus, cattle ranching and lumber are thriving in Tallahassee.  In fact, climate in the 850 area code makes it ideal for growing delicate produce. Furthermore, snow rarely falls in Tallahassee and hurricanes generally avoid the region entirely.

Fittingly, Tallahassee is located in the most educated county, Leon County, in the state of Florida. Nearly half of all residents in the Tallahassee area code hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree, which is more than double the national average. Accordingly, Tallahassee is home to the Florida Supreme Court, United States Federal Courthouse, and the Turlington Education Building.

The 850 area code is also a center of higher education. When compared to the rest of Florida, students in Leon County score fairly high on standardized tests including the SAT and ACT.

Florida State University is also located in Tallahassee, and is nationally known for its research and medical programs. As one of the oldest universities in Florida, Florida State University has a long standing reputation in the arts and sciences. The single National Laboratory and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory are also located at Florida State University. In fact, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is internationally credited with developing the anti-cancer medicine named Taxol. Additionally, Florida State University is known for its outstanding athletic programs, especially in football and baseball in area code 850. As a result, it is not surprising that Florida State University is ranked as a “Budget Ivy” for its outstanding and affordable educational programs.

Right next door to Florida State University is Florida A & M University. FAMU is widely recognized throughout the United States for having the best marching band in the United States. The Marching 100 has repeatedly won awards placing it in national headlines. Furthermore, the Marching 100 is often requested by Grammy Award winning performers to act as backup singers, and asked to perform by award shows. For instance, the Marching 100 has performed at the Grammy’s, the Super Bowl, and many notable events throughout the country. In fact, the Marching 100 has even performed for the United States President, Barrack Obama.

Major Cities In Area Code 850



Pensacola is only a quarter of the size of Tallahassee but still is a significant place in Florida as a center of aviation. Additionally, the Pensacola area code is also “The Cradle of Naval Aviation.” The Naval Air Station Pensacola has accomplished major naval feats and trained some of the leading aviators and astronauts of our time. For instance, Neil Armstrong, the first man to step on the moon, was trained at the Naval Air Station Pensacola. Similarly, John H. Glenn, who made headlines for being the first American to successfully orbit the earth, was also trained at the Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Fittingly, the 850 area code in Pensacola is home to the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Displaying historically significant displays from the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, the National museum of Naval Aviation is the only one of its kind in the United States. The museum goes the extra mile by making aviation real to all of its visitors through a functioning IMAX theatre. Additionally, the world famous Blue Angels hold practice demonstrations just outside the museum a few days each week. The Blue Angels have performed for nearly half a billion spectators internationally, which makes seeing them in action a must for all visitors to area code 850.

Florida Area Codes By Number