Does Publix Hire Felons?

Publix Super Markets, or Publix, is a supermarket chain that is employee-owned based in Lakeland, Florida. Publix stores run throughout the Southeast. Most of the locations are in Florida but they also have locations in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and North and South Carolina.

Publix’s brand is very big on customer service so they take their hiring process very seriously. Most businesses, if you have a record, will cast judgments without taking the time to get to know the person behind the application. That’s why we are going to help you out as best as we can to try to get you hired at Publix. So let’s get started.

About Publix

Publix is one of the largest regional grocery chains in the United States. Stores can be found in Virginia all the way down to Key West, Florida.

The first Publix was created in Winter Haven, Florida in 1930 by George Jenkins.

Publix employs over 193,000 people and has 1,239 locations including their warehouses and distribution centers. Publix is known to be the largest employee-owned company in the United States.

They were also ranked the 12th best company to work for in 2019 by Fortune Magazine. Some of the benefits that are included when working for Publix are annual holiday bonuses, a medical plan that includes dental and vision, and tuition reimbursement.

One of the most talked-about benefits for working at Publix is the employee stock ownership plan. At different points throughout the year, they give worthy employees Publix stock at no cost to them.

Publix workers love working there because of how the company takes care of their employees. Along with the stock ownership plan, they get lots of benefits and flexibility when it comes to working and employment which can go a long way to happy employees.

Does Publix Hire Felons?

While researching we have found that Publix does hire felons. They have said in the past that they don’t have an official policy for former felons but if the candidate fits the requirements for an open position, they can get hired.

Publix has been known to take into consideration the type of felony conviction and the length of time since completion of the sentence so the lighter the crime and the longer its been could be a positive factor in the hiring process as well.

Does Publix Run Background Checks?

Yes, Publix does run background checks. A background check will be run for anyone who is being considered for a position. Depending on the store, Publix might also decide to give applicants a drug test.

When Publix does their background checks, we found most checks were finished within a few days. In some rarer cases, it could take a little longer (around two weeks) but for most, this isn’t normal.

Careers at Publix

Publix is one of the top retailers in the entire country so you can expect that they have a lot of different entry-level job opportunities out there.

If you would like to work in the grocery store, you can work as a clerk, a bagger, or stocking shelves. Most people walk into the store and apply in-store.

But you can go also online and fill out an application. They do have an extensive application process so make sure you have some time to complete it if you go in.

If you’d like to apply for a warehouse job, you will need to search for available jobs in your area on the Publix website.

Publix usually needs workers for all hours of the day and night so if you have flexibility in your schedule and able to work weekends that could give you an advantage over others in the hiring process.

Publix is a company that loves promoting their entry-level workers to higher positions when the time is right so if you show them loyalty and hard work, you could get rewarded one day for it.

Application Process at Publix

Publix has a careers website that you can check out  On that site, they tell you the available positions in the area and also some of the benefits you’ll receive working at Publix.

To apply online, find a job available in your area that you can qualify for and fill out an application. Also, don’t be afraid to apply in person so you can talk directly to a manager in charge.

Highlight the skills and abilities you have that qualify you for the job at Publix instead of focusing on your past.

Publix has been known to ask about the applicant’s past in their interview process so just make sure you are honest about your history. You don’t want to say one story and they find out another because that is a fast way to not get hired.

Publix is also known to give behavior-based applications and ask you questions like “if this situation comes up how would you handle it?” Just answer these to the best of your ability and don’t stress out like it’s a hard test in high school. Publix just wants to see your brain process for these situations.