If you’ve ever driven through the rolling hills of Ocala’s horse country or cheered on the Gators at the Swamp, you’ve likely encountered the 352 area code.
It’s more than just a prefix; it’s a digital identifier for a massive slice of the Sunshine State, covering everything from bustling college towns to quiet coastal communities.
The History of Area Code 352
Florida wasn’t always a patchwork of different area codes. In fact, until 1953, the entire state shared just one: 305. As the population boomed and snowbirds flocked south, the need for new numbers grew exponentially.
The Split from 904
By the mid-1990s, the 904 area code, which covered a massive portion of northern Florida, was running out of numbers. To manage this growth, the Florida Public Service Commission approved a split.
Creation Date
The 352 area code was officially put into service on December 3, 1995.
Permissive Dialing
To help residents adjust, a “permissive dialing” period allowed callers to use both 904 and 352 until May 1996.
The “FLA” Connection
Here is a fun piece of trivia, look at your phone keypad. The numbers 3-5-2 correspond to the letters F-L-A. It’s one of the few area codes that doubles as a mnemonic for the state it serves!
Geographic Coverage: Where is 352?
Area code 352 covers a diverse region known as North Central Florida. It stretches from the Gulf of Mexico across the state, encompassing 13 counties and dozens of cities.
Key Cities
The most prominent cities using this prefix include:
- Gainesville: Home to the University of Florida.
- Ocala: Known as the “Horse Capital of the World.”
- The Villages: One of the fastest-growing retirement communities in the U.S.
- Spring Hill: A major residential hub in Hernando County.
- Crystal River: Famous for its manatee sanctuaries.
Counties Served
While it touches parts of many counties, the primary coverage areas include:
- Alachua County (Gainesville)
- Marion County (Ocala)
- Lake County (Clermont, Leesburg)
- Hernando County (Brooksville)
- Citrus County (Inverness)
- Sumter County (The Villages)
- Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist Counties
Quick Facts and Statistics
For those who love the data behind the digits, here is a snapshot of how area code 352 operates today:
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT).
- Population Served: Approximately 1.5 million people.
- Prefix Usage: About 87% of available prefixes are assigned to telecommunication companies.
- Phone Type Distribution:
- Landlines: ~62% (Higher than national average, likely due to older demographics in retirement areas).
- Wireless: ~37%.
- Major Carriers: CenturyLink, BellSouth (AT&T), and Verizon are the dominant carriers holding prefixes in this region.
The Future of 352: Overlays and 10-Digit Dialing
Telecommunications is a rapidly changing industry, and area code 352 is facing some modern challenges.
The Transition to 10-Digit Dialing
In 2020, the FCC designated 988 as the new nationwide number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Because 352 had local phone numbers that started with the “988” prefix (e.g., 352-988-XXXX), it created a technical conflict.
To fix this, the region transitioned to mandatory 10-digit dialing in October 2021. This means even if you are calling your neighbor down the street, you must dial the area code plus the phone number (352-555-0123).
Projected Exhaustion
Is 352 running out of numbers? Yes. Current projections suggest that the pool of available phone numbers in the 352 area code could be exhausted by early 2026 to late 2027.
When this happens, an overlay will likely be implemented. This means a new area code will be assigned to the same geographic region.
New subscribers might get the new code, while existing 352 numbers will remain unchanged.
Benefits of a Local 352 Number for Business
If you are running a small business in North Central Florida, securing a local number is a strategic move.
Community Trust
Residents in places like Ocala and Gainesville prefer dealing with local entities. A 352 number signals that you are part of the community, not a distant corporation.
Higher Answer Rates
People are statistically more likely to answer a call from a familiar area code than a toll-free (800) number or an out-of-state code.
Local SEO
Having a local number listed on your website and Google Business Profile reinforces your location, helping you rank higher in “near me” search results.
Is Area Code 352 a Scam?
If you see a missed call from 352, should you call back?
Who Might Be Calling?
Legitimate calls from this area code often come from:
- University of Florida administrative offices or student services.
- Medical facilities like UF Health Shands Hospital.
- Local utilities or service providers in Ocala or The Villages.
Common Scams
However, like any area code, 352 is subject to spoofing. Scammers often use “neighbor spoofing” technology to make their number look local so you’ll pick up. Common scams targeting this region include:
- Jury Duty Scams: Callers posing as law enforcement claim you missed jury duty and demand payment to avoid arrest.
- Medicare Fraud: Targeting the large senior population in The Villages.
- Utility Scams: Threats to cut off power (usually from Duke Energy or GRU imposters) unless immediate payment is made.
How to Handle Unknown Calls Safely
- Don’t answer if you don’t recognize the number. Let it go to voicemail.
- Never give payment over the phone to unsolicited callers, especially via gift cards or wire transfers.
- Verify by hanging up and calling the official number of the organization the caller claimed to represent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is it in area code 352 right now?
Area code 352 is in the Eastern Time Zone. It observes Daylight Saving Time.
Is 352 a toll-free number?
No, 352 is a standard geographic area code. Long-distance charges may apply depending on your landline plan, though most cell phone plans include nationwide calling.
Can I keep my 352 number if I move?
Yes, under FCC “number portability” rules, you can generally keep your phone number when switching service providers or moving, provided you stay within the same geographic area or your carrier supports it.
What happens if I dial 988 in area code 352?
Dialing 988 will connect you directly to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support for people in distress.
Does the 352 area code cover Orlando?
No. While it borders the Orlando area, Orlando primarily uses 407, 321, and 689. 352 covers the areas immediately west and north of Orlando, such as Clermont and Mount Dora.
Why did I get a call from 352 if I don’t live in Florida?
This is likely a robocall or spoofed call. Scammers often dial numbers randomly. If you have no connection to Florida, it is best to ignore it.
What was the area code before 352?
Before 1995, this region was part of the 904 area code.
Are there any other area codes in this region?
Currently, 352 is the only code for its specific geographic footprint. However, neighboring codes include 386 (Daytona), 904 (Jacksonville), and 813 (Tampa).
How do I get a 352 phone number?
You can request a 352 number when setting up a new line with major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, or through VoIP providers like Google Voice or Skype, provided you have a service address in the region.
When will the 352 area code run out of numbers?
Projections indicate the supply of 352 numbers will be exhausted between 2026 and 2027.
Conclusion
Whether you are trying to reach a local business or setting up shop yourself, knowing the ins and outs of 352 ensures you stay connected.
Daniel Brooks is a telecommunications and digital information writer with 8+ years of experience researching area codes, phone number systems, and call safety topics. He focuses on clear, accurate, and user-friendly explanations based on reliable public data sources.
