“Is this the new normal?”

A viral TikTok has viewers doing a double take after a Florida girl filmed what seemed to be a tip jar at a Tampa USPS counter. The clip, posted by Kathy Jennice (@kathy_onthebeach), reveals a basket of money beside a receipt printer as she checks out. “Is this the new normal?” she asks within the July 25, 2025, video, which has racked up practically 25,000 views and sparked lots of of feedback, with many mentioning that federal workers are legally barred from accepting ideas.

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Jennice underscored her disbelief with the Jet2 Holiday meme because the video’s audio.

@kathy_onthebeach Is this the brand new regular? A tip jar @USPS_Offical #usps #tipjar #tipping #staroftheseas #southpark #fyp #foryou ♬ unique sound – Kendy

Is USPS allowed to have a tip jar?

Per federal laws, USPS workers, excluding mail carriers, are forbidden from accepting ideas or money, test, or money equal presents—and folks reacting to the USPS tip jar realize it. 

“They should tip customers for having to deal with their attitude 💯.”

“That is crazy! 😂 Tip for what?”

“Noooooo.”

Postal workers say tip jars are unlawful

Postal employees commenting on the video mentioned the tip jar is a fireable offense. Some known as for the situation’s actions to be reported. 

“No it’s not normal, we can only accept non cash gifts up to 20 dollars. not just against the rules, it’s illegal since we are federal employees.”

“It’s a fireable offense… It’s part of the ethics training we take our 1st week in.”

@brandyn1988 supplied a probably unsanctioned however honest rationalization: “This is our swear jar for when the Karen’s come to play.”

Even the submit workplace is feeling the financial squeeze

Even federal employees are attempting to earn some supplemental earnings today. 

So tipping in all probability isn’t the transfer for on-site USPS employees. But mail carriers are on the market rain or shine, and are permitted to simply accept presents as much as $20 per event. So it’s okay to throw your service a few payments so long as you don’t exceed $50 whole yearly.    

“The economy is hitting everyone! 😆.”

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