JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Everyone using area code 904 will soon be required to dial 10 digits for all calls, including local ones, according to a news release from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC).
The PSC says for people who have 904 as their area code, the change will begin on Jan. 29. The mandatory 10-digit dialing will help people prepare for the Feb. 26 launch of the 324 area code, approved by the PSC in May 2022, the release states.
"Since August, permissive 10-digit dialing has been allowed," PSC Chairman Mike La Rosa said in the release. "My hope is that residents and businesses have had plenty of time to reprogram contacts and equipment. With the February launch of the new 324 area code quickly approaching, mandatory 10-digit dialing is necessary for two area codes to service popular Northeast Florida."
Furthermore, PSC says the new 324 area code is necessary because the 904 area code is running out of available numbers.
The release states that when the 324 area code is launched, people with 904 as their area code "may be assigned a phone number with the new 324 area code" if requesting new service, an additional line or if choosing to moving service.
The 904 area code serves "all or most of" Nassau, Duval, Baker, Bradford, Clay, St. Johns and Union counties, the PSC says.
Here's what will not change when the 324 area code is launched:
- Customers' telephone numbers, including current area code, will not change
- The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change
- A local call will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed
- Customers can still dial just three digits to reach 911, as well as 211, 311, 411, 522, 611, 711, or 811 if they are currently available in their community
The PSC says people who have 904 as their area code should use their full 10-digit number when providing their phone number(s). In addition, people who have the area code, should ensure that all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment, recognize the new 324 area code.
For more information, contact your local telephone service provider or review the area code fact sheet here.