Can't Call 911? Here's the Emergency Option Many Floridians Don't Know About

Many Floridians Don't Know They Can Text 911 During an Emergency

Florida: Many Residents Don't Know They Can Text 911 in an Emergency

News Brief

• Statewide: Text-to-911 is available in all 67 Florida counties.
• Use It Only When Necessary: Always call 911 if you can. Text only if making a voice call isn't safe or possible.
• Best For: Deaf or hard of hearing individuals, those with speech impairments, or anyone in a situation where speaking could put them in danger.
• Know Before You Need It: Learn how Text-to-911 works and its limitations before an emergency happens.

FLORIDA — In an emergency, every second counts. While most people know to call 911, many Floridians may not realize they also have the option to text 911 when making a voice call isn't possible.

According to the Florida Department of Management Services, Text-to-911 is available in all 67 Florida counties, providing another way to reach police, fire, or emergency medical services when speaking on the phone isn't safe or possible.

Officials stress that calling 911 remains the fastest and preferred way to request emergency assistance. A voice call allows dispatchers to gather critical information more quickly and can reduce response times. Text-to-911 should only be used when a voice call is not a safe or viable option.

When Should You Text 911?

Text-to-911 is intended for situations where making a voice call isn't possible, including when:

• You are deaf or hard of hearing.
• You have a speech impairment.
• Speaking would place you in greater danger, such as during a home invasion, domestic violence incident, or active threat.
• You attempted to call 911 but couldn't establish a voice connection due to poor cellular reception.

Tips for Using Text-to-911

If you need to send a text to 911, emergency officials recommend following these guidelines:

• Always begin with your exact location, followed by the nature of the emergency.
• Keep your message brief and clear.
• Mute your phone if making noise could put you in danger.
• Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or social media shorthand.
• Do not send photos, videos, GIFs, emojis, or group texts, as they may not be supported.
• Respond promptly to any questions or instructions from the 911 telecommunicator.

Important Service Limitations

Emergency officials remind the public that Text-to-911 is not a replacement for calling 911.

Text messages may take longer to send and receive than a voice call, which could delay emergency response. In areas with weak cellular coverage, a text message may be delayed or may never reach a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

Additionally, Text-to-911 only works through your phone's native SMS or MMS messaging application. Popular messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal, Telegram, Viber, and other internet-based messaging apps are not supported for contacting 911.

If you attempt to text 911 in an area where the service is unavailable or your message cannot be delivered, you should receive an automated bounce-back message instructing you to make a voice call instead.

Check Service Availability

While Text-to-911 is available throughout Florida, emergency officials encourage residents and travelers to familiarize themselves with the service before an emergency occurs.

You can check Text-to-911 coverage and service status throughout Florida by visiting the state's interactive map here:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/3a78afa830ca4b40bb8adb6ac0c45b25

Knowing how Text-to-911 works before an emergency can make a critical difference when every second matters.

Emergency officials continue to emphasize one simple message:

"Call if you can. Text if you can't."

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Source: Florida Department of Management Services; Orange County Government

For emergencies, always call 911 whenever possible. Text-to-911 should only be used when making a voice call is not safe or practical. Information regarding service availability and coverage is subject to change.

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