Florida · Eastern Time
850 Area Code
Area code 850 is in Florida, serving the Florida Panhandle, from Pensacola east through Tallahassee to the Big Bend. It is in the Eastern Time zone (part of its territory observes Central Time). It shares its territory with overlay code 448, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 850 area code?
850 is a Florida area code covering the Florida Panhandle, from Pensacola east through Tallahassee to the Big Bend. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 850 area code
- Tallahassee
- Pensacola
- Panama City
- Fort Walton Beach
- Destin
- Crestview
- Navarre
- Niceville
- Panama City Beach
- Milton
- Gulf Breeze
- Marianna
- Quincy
- Apalachicola
Counties served by 850
Leon County, Escambia County, Okaloosa County, Bay County, Santa Rosa County, Walton County, Jackson County, Gadsden County, Wakulla County and Washington County.
Time zone note: Most of Florida is Eastern; the western Panhandle (around Pensacola) is Central.
850 overlay codes and dialing
The 850 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 448, 850. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 850. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 850 area code
850 went into service on June 23, 1997, created when it was split from 904. It serves Tallahassee and the surrounding part of Florida, and today shares its territory with overlay code 448. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 850 a scam or spam risk?
850 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 850 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Tallahassee, FL or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Florida area codes
Explore more
See every code in Florida, compare codes across the South region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 8XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
850 area code FAQ
Where is the 850 area code?
The 850 area code is in Florida, covering the Florida Panhandle, from Pensacola east through Tallahassee to the Big Bend, in the South region.
What cities are in the 850 area code?
Cities in the 850 area code include Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview, Navarre, Niceville, Panama City Beach and Milton.
What time zone is 850 in?
850 is in the Eastern Time zone. Most of Florida is Eastern; the western Panhandle (around Pensacola) is Central.
What is the overlay for the 850 area code?
850 shares its territory with 448. Both codes (448, 850) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 850 area code start?
850 went into service on June 23, 1997.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 850?
Yes. Because 850 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 850 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 850 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.