If you’ve recently received a call from southwest Florida, or you are planning to move your business to the Sunshine State, you’ve likely encountered area code 239.
Covering a stretch of paradise known for white-sand beaches, booming businesses, and retirement havens, this area code represents one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.
Where is Area Code 239 Located?
Area code 239 serves Southwest Florida. This region is a powerhouse of tourism and development, wrapping around the Gulf Coast.
It covers the entirety of Lee County and Collier County, along with smaller portions of Hendry, Charlotte, and Monroe counties.
It also covers a massive natural landmark: the mainland portion of the Everglades National Park. Whether you are calling a high-rise condo in Naples or a tour guide in the Everglades, you are dialing 239.
Major Cities and Communities
The 239 area code encompasses several vibrant cities and distinct communities, including:
- Cape Coral: Known for having more canals than Venice, Italy.
- Fort Myers: The commercial hub of Lee County and historical winter home of Thomas Edison.
- Naples: Famous for high-end shopping, golf courses, and pristine beaches.
- Bonita Springs: A welcoming beach community nestled between Fort Myers and Naples.
- Marco Island: The largest barrier island within Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands.
- Lehigh Acres: A large, rapidly growing residential community.
- Immokalee: An important agricultural center in Collier County.
- Estero: Home to Florida Gulf Coast University.
The History of Area Code 239
Before 2002, if you were dialing Southwest Florida, you likely used area code 941.
However, as the population exploded due to tourism and retirees flocking to the warm climate, the 941 area code began to run out of numbers.
To solve this exhaust, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) implemented a split:
Activation Date
Area code 239 was officially activated on March 11, 2002.
The Split
The southern portion of the old 941 territory (Lee and Collier counties) spun off to become 239, while Sarasota and Bradenton kept 941.
Mandatory Dialing
A “permissive dialing” period allowed callers to use both codes for a year, but mandatory dialing for 239 officially began on March 10, 2003.
Demographics: A Tale of Two Counties
Here is a snapshot of the population data based on recent Census Bureau statistics:
| Feature | Lee County (Fort Myers area) | Collier County (Naples area) |
| Population | ~860,000 | ~416,000 |
| Median Household Income | ~$73,000 | ~$86,000 |
| Median Home Value | ~$326,000 | ~$486,000 |
| Median Age | ~48 years | ~53 years |
| Education (Bachelor’s+) | ~30% | ~39% |
| Key Characteristic | Younger workforce, diverse economy | Affluent retirees, luxury tourism |
The region is characterized by a mix of wealthy retirees, service industry workers supporting tourism, and a growing class of young professionals and remote workers.
Time Zone and Daylight Saving
If you are planning a business call to area code 239, timing is everything.
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET).
- Standard Time: Eastern Standard Time (EST) is UTC-5.
- Daylight Saving: The region observes Daylight Saving Time (EDT), shifting to UTC-4 during the spring and summer months.
Business and Economy in Southwest Florida
The 239 area code is no longer just for vacationers. It has become a bustling economic hub. While tourism remains the backbone, other industries are rapidly expanding.
Major Economic Drivers
Healthcare
Lee Health is one of the largest employers in the region, providing jobs to thousands of medical professionals.
Medical Technology
Naples is the headquarters for Arthrex, a global leader in orthopedic medical device manufacturing.
Construction & Real Estate
With a constant influx of new residents, the housing market in Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres drives a massive construction sector.
Education
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Estero acts as a significant economic catalyst and employer.
Who Might Be Calling From Area Code 239?
If your caller ID reads “(239),” it could be one of several legitimate sources:
- Local Businesses: Resorts, restaurants, or real estate agents in Naples or Fort Myers.
- Medical Services: Appointment reminders from Lee Health or NCH Healthcare System.
- Residents: Friends or family vacationing in Southwest Florida.
- Wrong Numbers: It happens!
- Spammers/Scammers: Unfortunately, robocalls often “spoof” local numbers to trick you into answering.
How to Handle Unknown Calls Safely
Scams are sophisticated, often using “Neighbor Spoofing” to make a call look local. Here is how to handle unknown calls from 239 (or any area code) safely, based on FTC guidance:
Don’t Answer
If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. A legitimate caller will leave a message.
Don’t Press Buttons
If you answer a robocall that asks you to “Press 1” to stop receiving calls, hang up. Pushing buttons confirms your number is active and leads to more calls.
Verify the Identity
If a caller claims to be from a government agency (like the IRS) or a bank, hang up. Look up the official number of that institution and call them back directly.
Use Blocking Tools
Most carriers offer spam-blocking apps. You can also register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
How to Obtain a 239 Area Code Number
Are you looking to establish a local presence in Florida? Having a 239 number can build trust with local customers who prefer dialing a familiar area code rather than a toll-free 800 number.
You don’t need to move to Fort Myers to get one. VoIP (Voice over IP) providers allow you to purchase local phone numbers that ring to your cell phone or office line anywhere in the world.
Services like Vitel Global specialize in helping businesses set up local numbers in specific regions like Southwest Florida, often within minutes.
This is a smart strategy for real estate agents, contractors, or service providers targeting the lucrative Florida market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is area code 239 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 239 is a standard geographic area code. Long-distance charges may apply depending on your phone plan, unlike 800 or 888 numbers.
What is the main airport in area code 239?
The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is the primary hub for the region.
When was area code 239 created?
It was split from area code 941 in 2002 and became mandatory for dialing in 2003.
Does area code 239 observe Daylight Saving Time?
Yes, it follows Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) from March to November.
What is the largest city in area code 239 by population?
Cape Coral is the largest city by population, surpassing Fort Myers.
Can I keep my 239 number if I move?
Yes. Under FCC number portability rules, you can usually keep your number even if you change providers or move out of the area (especially if you port it to a cell phone or VoIP service).
Is the 239 area code an overlay?
Currently, 239 is not an overlay, meaning it is the only area code serving this specific geographic area. However, as the population grows, overlays are common in Florida.
Which county has the highest income in the 239 area?
Collier County (Naples area) generally has a higher median household income compared to Lee County.
Are there alligators in area code 239?
Yes. Since the area code covers the Everglades and many canals, alligators are common in fresh and brackish water bodies throughout the region.
How do I report a scam call from 239?
You can report scam calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Conclusion
Whether you are trying to identify a caller or looking to expand your business into Southwest Florida, understanding the geography and economy behind the number is key.
If you are ready to establish credibility with Florida locals, consider securing your own 239 number today.
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.
