Publix offers rent relief to its tenants, including those in Lakewood Ranch area

LAKELAND — Publix is offering rent relief to businesses operating in Publix-owned shopping centers that have closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a press release, the relief package includes waiving rent for two months as well as waiving payments for common area maintenance fees and taxes, regardless of the tenant’s access to other relief or assistance.

“As a company that started as a small business 90 years ago, Publix wants to help businesses renting from us survive the economic impact of these unexpected closures,” says Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous in the statement. 

Lakeland-based Publix Super Markets Inc. reported sales of $36.1 billion in 2018. It has over 1,200 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.