One of Florida’s largest grocery chains, Publix, is now allowing customers to openly carry firearms in its stores. The company is adhering to a recent state court ruling that legalized open carry.
Company statement
Publix confirmed to the South Florida Sun Sentinel that it is allowing the practice. However, private property owners and businesses in Florida can still choose to prohibit firearms on their premises.
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“As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state and local laws. Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix. In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience — whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not — we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates,” the company said in a statement.
The Sun-Sentinel contacted eight Publix locations across South Florida — including Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables — and each confirmed that open carry is now permitted in-store.
Court ruling overturns decades-old ban
The company’s decision follows a September ruling by Florida’s First District Court of Appeal. The ruling struck down the state’s nearly 40-year ban on open carry, calling it unconstitutional.
The decision was celebrated by Second Amendment advocates as a victory for gun rights.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier later issued guidance to prosecutors across the state, writing on X that “open carry is the law of the state. “
Before the ruling, Publix had long discouraged customers from openly carrying firearms, with exceptions for law enforcement officers, according to the Palm Beach Post. Concealed carry, however, has been allowed since Florida first legalized it in 1987.
Mixed reaction from the public and competitors
Supporters say Publix is simply following the law.
Eric Friday, general counsel of the pro-gun group Florida Carry, told the Palm Beach Post that the change shouldn’t be controversial. “Why is it now all of a sudden an issue, when before they couldn’t see the gun?” he said.
But some competitors are taking a different approach. Winn-Dixie and Walmart both said they will continue to prohibit open carry in their Florida stores.
Winn-Dixie’s parent company, Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement: “As a private business, our policy remains unchanged: We do not permit open carry of firearms inside our stores. We respectfully ask customers to secure firearms safely before entering, and we appreciate the continued cooperation that helps us maintain an environment where everyone feels comfortable.”
