Get an Area Code 863 business phone and answering service

Geographic Overview of Area Code 863

Area code 863 is located in south-central Florida and covers a significant portion of the state. The primary cities within this area code include Lakeland, Bartow, Sebring, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales. The area code spans approximately 7,000 square miles and includes parts of nine counties: Polk, Highlands, Okeechobee, Hendry, DeSoto, Hardee, Glades, Hillsborough, and St. Lucie. This extensive coverage makes it a vital region for businesses looking to establish a local presence in Florida. The area code was created in 1999 as a split from area code 941 to address the increasing demand for telephone numbers in Central Florida.

Key cities and their respective area codes:

• Lakeland: 863
• Bartow: 863
• Sebring: 863
• Winter Haven: 863
• Lake Wales: 863

Population and Demographics

The population within the 863 area code is approximately 3,586,213 people (krispcall.com). The largest city, Lakeland, has a population of around 125,697 (krispcall.com). The overall population is fairly balanced between males and females, with a slightly higher female population of 1,834,941 compared to 1,751,272 males (zip-codes.com). This demographic balance is essential for businesses to consider when targeting their services and products. The diverse population also means a wide range of customer needs and preferences, making it a dynamic market for various business sectors.

Time Zone and Business Hours

Area code 863 is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), with a standard time offset of UTC−05:00 (krispcall.com). This time zone is crucial for businesses to consider, especially those that operate across different regions. Aligning business hours with the local time zone can enhance customer service and operational efficiency. For businesses dealing with clients or partners in other time zones, understanding the local time can help in scheduling meetings and managing communications effectively.

Thriving Small Business Community

The 863 area code is home to a significant number of small businesses. In Lakeland alone, there are 5,953 businesses (zip-codes.com). The region has seen a notable increase in new business applications, with a 43% rise from 2019 to 2020 (openphone.com). This growth indicates a robust entrepreneurial spirit and a supportive environment for new ventures. The diverse range of businesses includes hair salons, barber shops, computer repair services, home security companies, spas, wellness centers, fitness gyms, and more. This variety offers ample opportunities for networking, partnerships, and community engagement.

Unique Business Story: The Rise of Local Entrepreneurs

One unique story about the 863 area code is the rise of local entrepreneurs who have leveraged the region's resources to build successful businesses. For instance, in Lakeland, a group of young entrepreneurs started a co-working space that has become a hub for innovation and collaboration. This space has attracted freelancers, startups, and small businesses, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who support each other's growth. The success of this co-working space has inspired similar initiatives in other cities within the 863 area code, contributing to the region's vibrant business ecosystem.

Benefits of Using Goodcall in Area Code 863

Goodcall offers numerous benefits for businesses operating in the 863 area code. As an AI phone service, Goodcall can significantly enhance customer service and operational efficiency. Here are some key benefits:

• 24/7 Availability: Goodcall's AI technology ensures that your business is always available to answer calls, even outside of regular business hours.
• Cost-Effective: Goodcall is an affordable alternative to traditional IVR technologies and call centers, making it ideal for small businesses.
• Interactive Capabilities: Unlike simple voicemail, Goodcall's AI can interact with callers, providing them with information and assistance in real-time.
• Scalability: Goodcall can easily scale with your business, accommodating increased call volumes as your business grows.
• Improved Customer Experience: With Goodcall, customers receive prompt and efficient service, enhancing their overall experience with your business.

By integrating Goodcall into their operations, businesses in the 863 area code can streamline their communication processes, reduce operational costs, and provide superior customer service. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, business growth.