904 Area Code: Jacksonville, FL | Location & Time Zone

The 904 area code serves the Jacksonville metropolitan area and surrounding counties in northeastern Florida. As one of Florida’s original area codes, 904 has been connecting residents and businesses in this vibrant coastal region since 1965. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 904 area code, including its geographic coverage, time zone information, dialing instructions, and local calling details.

What is the 904 Area Code?

The 904 area code is a telephone area code serving Jacksonville, Florida, and the surrounding northeastern Florida region. Established in 1965 as part of a split from the original 305 area code that covered the entire state of Florida, 904 has remained a distinctive identifier for the Jacksonville area for nearly six decades.

This area code covers Duval County, where Jacksonville is located, along with several neighboring counties including Nassau, Baker, St. Johns (northern portion), Clay, and Putnam counties. The 904 area code region encompasses both urban centers and rural communities, stretching from the Atlantic coast inland to include historic towns and growing suburban areas.

904 Area Code Location & Coverage

Cities and Regions Covered

The 904 area code serves numerous cities and communities throughout northeastern Florida. Jacksonville, the largest city in the continental United States by land area, is the primary city served by this area code. Other major cities and communities include Orange Park, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine (northern areas), Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Palatka, and Callahan.

The coverage area extends from the Georgia-Florida border in the north to parts of St. Johns County in the south, and from the Atlantic Ocean coastline westward to include rural communities in Baker and western Nassau counties. This diverse region includes bustling urban neighborhoods, military installations such as Naval Station Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, historic districts, beach communities, and suburban developments.

Geographic Coverage Map

The 904 area code covers approximately 2,800 square miles of northeastern Florida. The region is characterized by its coastal location along the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Johns River running through Jacksonville, and the Intracoastal Waterway. The area includes barrier islands, wetlands, and inland forests, creating a diverse landscape that supports both metropolitan and rural communities.

Time Zone Information

The entire 904 area code region operates on Eastern Time, which is consistent with most of Florida and the eastern seaboard of the United States. Daylight Saving Time is observed, with clocks moving forward one hour in March and back one hour in November. For more information about time zones across the country, visit Current Local Times Around the World.

904 Area Code Details

History of 904 Area Code

When Was 904 Created?

The 904 area code was created in 1965 during a major reorganization of Florida’s telephone numbering system. Prior to 1965, the entire state of Florida was served by a single area code, 305. As Florida’s population grew rapidly during the post-World War II boom, the demand for telephone numbers increased dramatically, making it necessary to split the state into multiple area codes.

The 904 area code was assigned to northern Florida, initially covering a much larger geographic area than it does today. This split reflected the significant population growth in Jacksonville and the surrounding region, which had become one of Florida’s major metropolitan areas and an important military and port city.

Area Code Changes and Overlays

Since its creation in 1965, the 904 area code has undergone several changes to accommodate continued population growth throughout Florida. In 1995, the 904 area code was split, with areas in central and southwestern portions of the original 904 region receiving the new 352 area code. This split reduced the geographic coverage of 904 to focus primarily on the Jacksonville metropolitan area and immediately surrounding counties.

In 1999, another geographic split occurred when the southern portions of the 904 region, including Daytona Beach and Deltona, were assigned the new 386 area code. This further refined the 904 area code to its current coverage area centered on Jacksonville and northeastern Florida.

Unlike many urban areas that have implemented overlay area codes, the 904 region has not yet required an overlay. However, as the Jacksonville metropolitan area continues to grow, telecommunications officials monitor number availability to determine if future changes may be necessary. As of 2025, 904 remains the sole area code for the region.

How to Call 904 Area Code

Dialing Within the Area Code

When making local calls within the 904 area code, callers must use 10-digit dialing, which includes the area code plus the seven-digit phone number. The format is 904-XXX-XXXX. While some older landline systems previously allowed 7-digit dialing for local calls, 10-digit dialing has been mandatory for all calls within the 904 area code region for several years. This requirement helps accommodate potential future area code changes and maintains consistency with modern telecommunications practices.

Dialing From Other Area Codes

To call a 904 number from another area code within the United States, dial 1 followed by the complete 10-digit number. The format is 1-904-XXX-XXXX. The “1” prefix indicates a long-distance call within the North American Numbering Plan. Most modern phone plans include unlimited long-distance calling within the United States, but it’s advisable to check with your carrier regarding any potential charges for calls to different area codes.

International Dialing

For international callers dialing a 904 number, the format is +1-904-XXX-XXXX. The “+1” represents the country code for the United States and Canada within the international dialing system. Callers should first dial their country’s international access code (which varies by country), followed by 1, then the 904 area code and the seven-digit local number. International calling rates apply and vary depending on the caller’s location and phone service provider.

Nearby Area Codes

These neighboring area codes serve communities in surrounding regions of northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. Understanding nearby area codes can be helpful for business communications and personal connections across the region. If you need to coordinate calls or meetings across different time zones, check out the helpful Timer Tools available on our site.

Population & Demographics

The 904 area code region serves a population of approximately 1.6 million residents, with the vast majority living in Duval County and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Jacksonville itself is home to over 950,000 people, making it Florida’s most populous city and one of the largest cities in the southeastern United States.

The region has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades, driven by its strong economy, military presence, port operations, and attractive quality of life. The demographics reflect a diverse population with significant military and veteran communities due to the area’s multiple naval installations. The region also has growing Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities contributing to its cultural diversity.

Economically, the 904 area code region is anchored by several major industries including military and defense, financial services, logistics and distribution, healthcare, insurance, and tourism. Jacksonville is home to several Fortune 500 companies and serves as a major financial center for the southeastern United States. The Port of Jacksonville is a significant economic driver, handling cargo and cruise operations. The beaches and historic attractions, particularly in St. Augustine, contribute substantially to the tourism economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What area code is 904?

The 904 area code serves Jacksonville, Florida, and surrounding counties in northeastern Florida including Duval, Nassau, Baker, Clay, Putnam, and northern St. Johns counties. It has been serving this region since 1965.

What time zone is the 904 area code in?

The 904 area code is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). The region observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) during winter months and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) during summer months when Daylight Saving Time is in effect.

Is 904 a toll-free area code?

No, 904 is not a toll-free area code. It is a standard geographic area code for northeastern Florida. Toll-free area codes in North America include 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833. Calls to 904 numbers may incur charges depending on your phone plan and location.

Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Jacksonville?

Yes, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls within the 904 area code region, including local calls. You must dial 904 plus the seven-digit phone number even when calling within the same area code. This requirement has been in place for several years throughout the region.

Will 904 get an overlay area code?

As of 2025, there is no overlay area code for the 904 region. However, telecommunications officials continuously monitor the availability of phone numbers. If the supply of available numbers becomes limited due to population and business growth, an overlay code could be introduced in the future, which would require residents to continue using 10-digit dialing for all calls.

What cities are included in the 904 area code?

Major cities and communities in the 904 area code include Jacksonville, Orange Park, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine (northern areas), Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Palatka, and Callahan, among numerous other communities throughout northeastern Florida.

Can I keep my 904 number if I move?

In many cases, yes. Federal regulations allow number portability, meaning you can often keep your 904 phone number if you move within the same area code region or sometimes even when moving to a different area. However, specific policies vary by service provider, and there may be limitations. Contact your phone service provider to discuss your specific situation and options for number retention.

Conclusion

The 904 area code has been an integral part of Jacksonville and northeastern Florida’s identity for nearly six decades. Serving a diverse and growing region that includes major urban centers, military installations, historic communities, and beautiful coastal areas, 904 connects residents, businesses, and visitors throughout this dynamic part of Florida. Understanding the 904 area code’s coverage, time zone, history, and dialing requirements helps facilitate clear communication whether you’re a local resident, business owner, or someone connecting with the Jacksonville region from elsewhere.

As Jacksonville continues to grow and evolve as a major metropolitan area, the 904 area code remains a distinctive identifier for this vibrant community. For more information about time zones, area codes, and telecommunications topics, explore our comprehensive Blog Guides Section with helpful resources for staying connected.