Area Code 863
Where Is Area Code 863?
Updated: October 28th 2024
About halfway between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland has a population of just below 100,000. Unfortunately, more than 40% of the families in the Lakeland area code live below the poverty line. The 863 area code was implemented for use in Lakeland in 1999 after Florida area codes had underwent several splits. For instance, Lakeland was originally under the 305 area code, which was then ultimately split into the 813 area code until the 863 area code went into effect.
Despite its significant poverty, the Lakeland area code does have surprisingly good educational institutions. In fact, Florida Southern College is a private college that has often made lists ranking it as one of the best colleges in the Southeast. Most notably, Florida Southern College has the biggest collection of works from the famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Known as the greatest American architect that has ever lived, Wright has brought prestige to the Florida Southern College campus. Wright actually designed a portion of the buildings on Florida Southern College’s campus, which is collectively referred to as the “Child of the Sun.” Due to these historically significant buildings, the campus in area code 863 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Major Cities In Area Code 863
Lakeland has other excellent educational institutions such as the Central Florida Aerospace Academy. The academy provides high school students with an outstanding curriculum as well as the opportunity to take the FAA Private Pilot exam prior to graduation. The 863 area code also has other magnet schools, including the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts and the Polk State College Collegiate High School.