Florida Publix Cracking Down On Pets In Stores
If you are a frequent shopper at Publix in Florida, you have probably been noticing a lot of new things at your stores. Some new Publix Subs (my favorite), new buy one get one deals, and new large signs of their pet policy. Florida Publix chains are cracking down on pets and putting up signs that inform shoppers that only service animals are permitted into stores. That means you can no longer bring in personal pets or emotional support animals.
Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals
“Under federal law, service animals are dogs or miniature horses trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities,” the sign reads. “Non-service animals are not allowed in grocery stores by the FDA. Dogs, pets, and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship, or emotional support do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in Publix, even with a doctor’s note.”
The sign also informs people about the penalties of misrepresenting your animal as a service animal. A violation of this Florida law is actually a second degree misdemeanor that can lead to 30 hours of community service. The surprising thing about all of this, is that the policy has existed for Publix for years! It is unclear why the sudden push to enforce the rule, but customers are happy about it. Many believe that this is a safety precaution that should have always been enforced.
There are several challenges that come when trying to enforce this rule. One is the difficulty in identifying the service animals. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some disabilities also are not as visible as others. For example, someone who is dealing with anxiety from dealing with post traumatic stress disorder won’t show they have a disability unless they are going through an episode. Another challenge is authenticity. According to Florida Law, a handler does not have to provide any documentation of their animals training and staff member can not ask the extent of a persons disability.
[Source: USA Today]
These Are The Best Publix Stores In The Clearwater Area
4. Boot Ranch
Location: 500 E Lake Rd S, Palm Harbor
Rating: 4.6
Number of reviews: 1,033
What people are saying: This store is super popular! It’s Large, immaculate, organized, and well stocked. The Publix here holds up to the standards set throughout all the public around the affluent areas of Tampa.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
8. Walsingham Commons
Locations: 13031 Walsingham Rd, Largo
Rating: 4.6
Number of reviews: 169
What people are saying: A lot of great reviews of the bakery at this location! Nice and clean inside and outside the store. Friendly and helpful staff.
Geno Knight/BBGI
12. Pinellas Shopping Center
Location: 857 W Bay Dr, Largo
Rating: 4.5
Number of reviews: 1,277
What people are saying: Always helpful, friendly staff. And the best part…they actually service their carts. So, no wobbly wheels, no loud, rhythmic thumping as you roll through the store.
Geno/BBGI
17. East Bay Plaza
Location: 3825 E Bay Dr, Largo
Rating: 4.5
Number of reviews: 621
What people are saying: The staff is super friendly here, but there are some complaints about their deli. So it may be best to get your Pub sub at a different location
20. Carillon Town Center
Location: 120 Carillon Pkwy, St. Petersburg
Rating: 4.4
Number of reviews: 1,244
What people are saying: Some say this store is smaller or it’s not designed like most grocery stores, and items are placed in a unique way. But otherwise has the same great reviews as other locations.
Geno Knight/BBGI
