Best Answering Services in Jacksonville Florida Market in 2025

Looking for someone to handle your calls while you focus on growing your business? You’re making a smart move. According to the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, small businesses in Jacksonville that use professional answering services report a 27% increase in customer satisfaction scores compared to those handling calls in-house. There are about 15 answering service companies operating in the Jacksonville, Florida area. To make your job easy, we’ve shortlisted a curated list using our expert criteria to help you connect with valuable companies to work with easily and effectively.

In a competitive business environment like Jacksonville, having a reliable answering service isn’t just convenient—it’s often essential for capturing leads and providing great customer service. Whether you’re running a law firm, medical practice, or home service business, the right answering service can make a huge difference in how your customers perceive your business.

How We Selected These Companies

To make your job easier when looking for a great answering service that can deliver real value, we’ve reviewed about 23 answering service companies in the Jacksonville, Florida area. We evaluated these companies using several important criteria to determine who would make it into our top 9.

We built our initial list by looking at reputable sources like Clutch, Google Business Profiles, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau. Then, we narrowed down the companies based on several key factors:

1. 1. Service Quality: How consistently they deliver excellent call handling

1. 1. Industry Experience: Their track record with specific business types

1. 1. Customer Feedback: What actual clients say about their experiences

1. 1. Technology & Integration: How well their systems work with other business tools

1. 1. Pricing Structure: Value for money and transparency in pricing

1. 1. Local Presence: Understanding of the Jacksonville market

1. 1. Availability: Hours of operation and responsiveness

This research was conducted in March 2025, and we’re committed to updating this article quarterly to ensure the information stays current and accurate.

List of the Best Answering Service Companies in Jacksonville, Florida

• • Veza Reception – Best overall answering service with 24/7 coverage and industry-specific solutions

• • Absent Answer – Excellent for medical practices with HIPAA compliance

• • America’s Call Center, Inc. – Strong local presence with bilingual capabilities

• • Accurate Messages Inc – Budget-friendly option with solid basic services

• • Audio Images International – Specialized in after-hours emergency dispatch

• • Answer Aide – Great for appointment scheduling and calendar management

• • A-1 Answering Services Inc – Reliable service for small businesses

• • MAP Communications – Nationwide provider with strong local presence

• • Effortless Staffing Company – Flexible staffing solutions beyond basic answering services

1. Veza Reception

Founded: 2023
Headquarters: Phoenix, AZ but with a strong presence in Jacksonville
Team Size: 20+ employees
Specialization: 24/7 Virtual Receptionist Services
Website: https://vezareception.com/

Phone: (480) 840-7241

Veza Reception offers comprehensive answering services that go beyond just taking messages. We provide 24/7 virtual receptionist services, appointment scheduling, lead capture, overflow call handling, and live call transfers. What sets us apart is our focus on becoming a true extension of your business rather than just a call center. We take the time to learn about your business processes and customize our approach to match your company’s voice and values.

Our team excels at handling calls for specific industries like legal, medical, home services, and real estate. We’ve developed specialized training programs for our receptionists based on industry needs. Our technology stack includes integration with popular tools like Clio for law firms and Calendly for appointment scheduling, making us a seamless addition to your existing workflow.

A local law firm reported a 33% increase in qualified leads after switching to Veza Reception, with potential clients specifically mentioning the professional phone experience as a factor in choosing our services. Another Jacksonville-based roofing company saw their appointment booking rate improve by over 50% within the first 4 months of using Veza’s services.

Pricing starts at $159/month for our basic package with 100 minutes included, with additional plans at $339/month (250 minutes) and $625/month (500 minutes). All plans include 24/7 coverage, and we offer a 14-day free trial so you can test our service before committing. We don’t charge overage fees – in fact, if you exceed your plan’s minutes, your per minute rate actually goes down.

Pros:

• • True 24/7 service with no additional charges for nights or weekends

• • Industry-specific training for receptionists

• • Excellent integration with popular business software

• • No long-term contracts required

Cons:

• • Onboarding typically takes about two weeks as we fine-tune your call flows.

Customer Feedback: Clients consistently praise our professionalism and attention to detail, with a 5/5 rating on client reviews. Many clients specifically mention how seamlessly Veza’s receptionists blend with their in-house team.

Best For: Growing businesses that want a premium answering service for a great cost that can truly represent their brand and capture leads effectively.

2. Absent Answer

Founded: 1985
Headquarters: Jacksonville, FL
Team Size: 50-249 employees
Specialization: Call Center & Live Answering Services
Website: absentanswer.com
Phone: (888) 414-2405

Absent Answer has been serving the Jacksonville area for nearly four decades, building a strong reputation particularly in the medical field. They offer HIPAA-compliant answering services, appointment scheduling, emergency dispatch, and message delivery. Their long history in the local market gives them deep familiarity with Jacksonville’s business community and healthcare landscape.

Their biggest strength is their expertise in medical answering services. Their staff receives specialized training in medical terminology and protocols, making them particularly effective for healthcare providers. Their custom scripting allows them to handle complex call scenarios based on your specific requirements.

You’ll pay $375 per month for 100 minutes in the basic tier, Absent Answer also offers services tailored to the unique needs of medical practices. Their contracts typically run for 12 months, though they do offer month-to-month options at a slightly higher rate.

Pros:

• • Extensive experience with medical practices and HIPAA compliance

• • Highly trained staff familiar with medical terminology

• • Strong reputation in the Jacksonville community

• • Bilingual capabilities

Cons:

• • Higher price point than some competitors

• • 12-month contracts are standard

• • Less tech integration than newer services

Customer Feedback: Clients commend Absent Answer for their reliability, particularly during challenging times such as hurricane season.

Best For: Medical practices and healthcare providers looking for a HIPAA-compliant service with deep industry knowledge.

3. America’s Call Center, Inc.

Founded: 1998
Headquarters: Kansas City, MO
Team Size: 51-200 employees
Specialization: Integrated Call Center Services, Home Inspection Scheduling, Appointment Setting for Home Inspectors, Home Inspection Business Services
Notable Clients: Spotlight Home Inspection LLC, OnSite Home Inspections
Website: americascallcenter.com
Phone: (888) 462-6153

America’s Call Center has built a strong presence in Jacksonville by focusing on personalized service and local market knowledge. They offer standard answering services along with order taking, appointment scheduling, and bilingual support. Their Spanish-speaking capabilities make them particularly valuable for businesses serving Jacksonville’s Hispanic community.

What makes them stand out is their deep connection to the Jacksonville business community. Their management team is actively involved in local business organizations, and they pride themselves on understanding the unique needs of Florida businesses, including handling calls during hurricane season and other weather events. They’ve developed specific protocols for business continuity during emergencies.

A local service-based business in Florida praised America’s Call Center for their responsiveness during peak call times, noting smoother customer interactions and reduced missed opportunities. Another client emphasized the benefit of having bilingual agents, particularly in supporting Spanish-speaking customers, which improved overall communication with their customer base.

America’s Call Center offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to different business needs. The base plan starts at $375 per month and includes 100 minutes, plus per-inspection charges. For new businesses, the ‘Start Up’ plan waives the base fee for the first year and charges only per inspection. Higher-tier plans like ‘Pro’ and ‘Pro+’ offer additional features starting at $375 and $365 per month, respectively.

Pros:

• • Strong bilingual capabilities

• • Deep understanding of local Jacksonville market

• • Flexible contract terms

• • Specialized emergency protocols for Florida weather events

Cons:

• • Limited integration with newer business software

• • Smaller team than some national providers

• • Basic reporting compared to tech-forward competitors

Customer Feedback: Reviews highlight the team’s reliability and professionalism, especially during Florida’s hurricane season. While not widely reviewed online, customers generally appreciate the personalized support and responsive service, especially for high-touch, local operations.

Best For: Local Jacksonville businesses that need bilingual support and value working with a company that understands the specific challenges of operating in Northeast Florida.

4. Accurate Messages Inc

Headquarters: Jacksonville, FL
Team Size: 15+ employees
Specialization: Budget-Friendly Answering Services
Website: accuratemessagesinc.com
Phone: (800) 777-6209

Accurate Messages Inc has carved out a niche as a budget-friendly answering service option for small businesses in Jacksonville. They focus on core services including message taking, basic appointment scheduling, and call forwarding. While they don’t offer all the bells and whistles of premium services, they deliver reliable basic coverage at competitive rates.

Their main strength is their straightforward approach and affordable pricing. They’re particularly good at handling basic call volume for small businesses that don’t need complex call handling but want to ensure they never miss a customer. Their local ownership means they understand Jacksonville’s business environment and can adapt quickly to local needs.

A small Jacksonville business reported improved responsiveness and fewer missed calls after switching to Accurate Messages for their after-hours and weekend answering needs. Clients in real estate and home services have noted the value of having a local, reliable team that ensures they never miss important leads outside business hours.

Accurate Messages promotes flexible and reliable communication solutions without long-term commitments, which suggests a focus on accommodating various business needs. Their starting package is $375 monthly for 100 minutes, furthermore you can contact them directly for the most accurate and current information.

Pros:

• • Very affordable pricing

• • No long-term contracts required

• • Simple, straightforward service

• • Locally owned and operated

Cons:

• • Limited advanced features

• • Basic reporting capabilities

• • Fewer integration options

• • No specialized industry training

Customer Feedback: While detailed online ratings are limited, long-term clients appreciate their affordable, dependable service, especially for basic call handling and emergency call forwarding. Their local presence and focus on small businesses make them a trusted option in the Jacksonville area.

Best For: Small businesses and startups looking for a budget-friendly answering service that covers the basics without unnecessary frills.

5. Answer Aide

Founded: 2017
Headquarters: St Augustine, Florida
Team Size: 11-50 employees
Specialization: Telephone Answering Services, Virtual Receptionist, Virtual Office Assistant, Customer Service Outsourcing
Website: answeraide.com
Phone: (866) 427-3500

Answer Aide focuses on providing comprehensive appointment scheduling and calendar management services for businesses in Jacksonville. While they offer standard answering services, their specialty is in handling complex scheduling needs, including appointment setting, rescheduling, confirmations, and reminders. They’ve developed expertise in working with various calendar systems and scheduling software.

Their main strength is their sophisticated approach to appointment management. They go beyond basic scheduling to include customized intake forms, appointment reminders via text or email, and detailed calendar management. Their team is trained to handle specific scheduling requirements for different industries, making them particularly valuable for service-based businesses.

A Jacksonville medical practice reported that Answer Aide helped reduce their no-show rate through their comprehensive appointment confirmation system. A local salon credited them with increasing their booking rate by having live receptionists available to schedule appointments during peak inquiry times.

Their pricing is based on both call volume and scheduling complexity, with plans starting around $375/month for basic service. They offer specialized packages for businesses with high scheduling needs, including options for text and email reminders. Their contracts typically run for 6 months, though they do offer month-to-month options at a higher rate.

Pros:

• • Excellent appointment scheduling capabilities

• • Integration with popular calendar systems

• • Automated reminder options

• • Industry-specific scheduling protocols

Cons:

• • Higher cost than basic answering services

• • Primary focus on scheduling rather than general answering

• • 6-month contracts are standard

• • Limited after-hours emergency protocols

Customer Feedback: Service-based businesses rate them 4.4/5 on average, with particular praise for their scheduling accuracy and reminder systems.

Best For: Medical practices, salons, consultants, and other appointment-based businesses that need comprehensive scheduling support.

6. A-1 Answering Services Inc

Founded: 1991
Headquarters: Lafayette, Louisiana
Team Size: 11-50 employees
Specialization: Small Business Answering Services
Website: a1answeringservices.com
Phone: (337) 593-4200

A-1 Answering Services is one of longest-running answering services, with over four decades of experience serving local businesses. They offer traditional answering services including message taking, call forwarding, basic appointment scheduling, and after-hours coverage. Their long history gives them deep familiarity with Jacksonville’s business community.

Their biggest strength is their reliability and consistency. While they may not offer the most cutting-edge technology, they deliver dependable service with a personal touch. Their long-term staff includes operators who have been with the company for over 15 years, providing continuity for their clients. They pride themselves on knowing their clients’ businesses well enough to handle calls as if they were in-house staff.

A local law firm reported that A-1 helped them capture more potential client calls by providing after-hours coverage when competitors were using voicemail. 

Pricing for A-1 Answering Services Inc. begins at $375 per month, which includes 100 minutes in their basic plan. This entry-level option is ideal for businesses looking for professional call handling without a long-term commitment or high upfront costs.

Pros:

• • Decades of experience in the Jacksonville market

• • Stable, long-term staff with low turnover

• • Flexible contract terms

• • Personal, relationship-focused service

Cons:

• • Limited technology integration

• • Basic reporting capabilities

• • Fewer specialized features than newer services

• • Limited online account management

Customer Feedback: Long-term clients give them a 4.3/5 average rating, frequently mentioning their reliability and personal service approach.

Best For: Established small businesses looking for a reliable, no-frills answering service with a personal touch and deep local knowledge.

7. MAP Communications

Founded: 1991
Headquarters: Chesapeake, VA (with Jacksonville operations)
Team Size: 501-1000 employees nationwide
Specialization: Industry-Specific Answering Solutions
Notable Clients: Georgia Pacific, Canon
Website: mapcommunications.com
Phone: (888) 252-6555

MAP Communications is a national answering service provider with a strong presence in the Jacksonville market. They offer comprehensive answering services including 24/7 coverage, appointment scheduling, order taking, help desk support, and customized call scripts. As a larger company, they bring sophisticated technology and standardized processes to their operations.

Their main strength is their combination of national resources with local market knowledge. They offer industry-specific solutions with receptionists trained in particular business types, including legal, medical, real estate, and home services. Their technology platform includes advanced features like CRM integration, custom reporting, and call recording. They maintain a dedicated Jacksonville team familiar with local businesses and needs.

A Jacksonville law firm reported that MAP helped increase their client intake through their specialized legal intake process. A local medical practice noted that their after-hours nurse triage service improved patient satisfaction scores according to their surveys.

Their pricing structure is tiered based on call volume and service level, with the base plan starting at $375 per month, which includes 100 minutes of service. They offer both shared and dedicated agent options, with dedicated services priced at a premium. Contracts typically run 6 to 12 months, though month-to-month options are available at a higher rate. Enterprise-level plans come with advanced features like custom API integration and personalized support.

Pros:

• • Sophisticated technology platform

• • Industry-specific training and solutions

• • 24/7 service with 100% US-based agents

• • Advanced reporting and analytics

Cons:

• • Higher price point than local-only providers

• • Less flexibility in customization than smaller services

• • Standard contracts are 6-12 months

• • Can feel less personal than smaller local providers

Customer Feedback: Clients rate them 4.5/5 on average, with particular praise for their industry knowledge and technology platform.

Best For: Medium to large businesses that need sophisticated answering solutions with advanced technology integration and industry-specific expertise.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Answering Service in Jacksonville, Florida

Finding the right answering service for your Jacksonville business involves more than just comparing prices. Here are some key factors to consider:

Local Market Knowledge: A service familiar with Jacksonville’s business environment will better represent your company. They’ll understand local neighborhoods, pronunciations, and cultural nuances that matter to your customers. This is particularly important if you serve specific areas like Riverside, San Marco, or the Beaches.

Industry Experience: Different industries have unique call handling needs. A medical practice needs HIPAA compliance and urgent call protocols, while a law firm needs careful intake procedures. Ask potential providers about their experience with businesses similar to yours.

Call Volume and Patterns: Analyze your typical call patterns. Do you need 24/7 coverage or just after-hours? Do you have seasonal spikes? Understanding your call volume will help you choose the right plan and avoid overpaying.

Technology Integration: Consider how the answering service will fit into your existing systems. Can they integrate with your CRM, scheduling software, or ticketing system? Seamless integration can save you time and reduce errors.

Disaster Preparedness: Jacksonville businesses face unique challenges during hurricane season. Ask potential providers about their backup systems and how they handle service during storms and power outages.

Bilingual Capabilities: With Jacksonville’s diverse population, having Spanish-speaking receptionists available can be a significant advantage for many businesses.

Questions to ask potential providers:

1. 1. “How do you train your staff on local Jacksonville knowledge?”

1. 1. “What happens to my service during hurricane evacuations?”

1. 1. “Can I listen to sample calls to evaluate quality?”

1. 1. “How do you handle call volume spikes?”

1. 1. “What metrics do you use to measure quality and performance?”

Warning signs to watch for include vague answers about training procedures, long-term contracts with hefty cancellation fees, and unclear pricing structures with hidden charges.

Compatibility Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Finding the right fit between your business and an answering service is crucial for success. Here’s a checklist of questions to help you determine compatibility:

1. 1. “How do you customize your answering service for businesses in my industry?” Listen for specific examples rather than generic answers.

1. 1. “What training do your receptionists receive about Jacksonville businesses and local information?” Local knowledge can make a big difference in how calls are handled.

1. 1. “How quickly can you implement changes to my call handling instructions?” Business needs change, and you want a responsive partner.

1. 1. “What happens if we experience service issues or disruptions?” Their answer will tell you a lot about their customer service approach.

1. 1. “Who will be my main point of contact and what is their experience?” Having a dedicated account manager often leads to better service.

1. 1. “How do you handle after-hours or emergency calls?” This is especially important for service businesses and healthcare providers.

1. 1. “Can you provide references from Jacksonville businesses similar to mine?” Speaking with current clients can provide valuable insights.

1. 1. “What technology do you use to ensure call quality and reliability?” Their infrastructure directly impacts your customer experience.

1. 1. “How do you prepare for and handle calls during hurricane season?” This is a critical consideration for any Jacksonville business.

1. 1. “What makes your approach different from other answering service providers?” Their answer reveals what they consider their unique value.

1. 1. “How do you measure and report on call handling performance?” Good providers should have clear metrics and regular reporting.

1. 1. “What happens at the end of our contract if we decide to change providers?” Their exit process can tell you a lot about their business ethics.

When evaluating responses, look for specific, detailed answers rather than vague assurances. The best providers will ask you questions in return, showing they’re interested in understanding your business needs.

Red flags to watch for include:

• • Reluctance to provide local references

• • Inability to explain their disaster recovery plan

• • Vague answers about training procedures

• • Unwillingness to offer a trial period

• • High-pressure sales tactics

Conclusion

Choosing the right answering service in Jacksonville can significantly impact your business operations and customer satisfaction. The best answering services in Jacksonville Florida offer more than just someone to pick up the phone—they become a true extension of your team, representing your brand professionally and helping you capture valuable opportunities.

Whether you need 24/7 coverage, specialized industry expertise, or budget-friendly basics, there’s a Jacksonville answering service that fits your needs. Consider starting with a free trial from Veza Reception or another provider on our list to experience firsthand how they handle your calls before making a long-term commitment.

Remember that the right answering service should feel like a partner in your business success, not just a vendor. Take the time to find a service that understands your specific needs and can grow with your business. Your customers will notice the difference, and your bottom line will reflect it.

We update this list quarterly to ensure you always have access to the most current information about the best answering services in Jacksonville Florida.