Publix Permits Open Gun Carriage in Florida Stores Following State Court Decision

By Jim Mishler | Wednesday, 08 October 2025 06:47 PM EDT

Publix, one of Florida’s largest grocery chains, now allows customers to openly carry guns in its stores after a recent state court ruling. Florida’s open-carry restrictions were lifted on Sept. 25 following the 1st District Court of Appeal striking down the state’s long-standing ban, deeming it unconstitutional. The decision permits adults to openly carry firearms in public while allowing private businesses to prohibit open carry on their premises.

Publix, which operates over 900 stores in Florida, has opted to permit open carry, according to employees contacted by news outlets including the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Calls to stores in South and Central Florida confirmed that customers are being informed they may openly carry guns inside, aligning with the new law.

Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis stated to the Sun Sentinel: “As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state, and local laws.” The statement added that threatening or erratic behavior involving anyone at its stores would prompt a request for law enforcement support.

Customer reactions have been divided. Former Sunrise City Commissioner Sheila Alu supports the Second Amendment but plans to avoid Publix, stating, “Open carry in a grocery store or mall will frighten people. Publix is not an establishment that I or my family will be patronizing.” In contrast, Fort Lauderdale resident and private investigator Ana Campos expressed a differing view, suggesting she might feel safer seeing responsible gun owners in stores. “If there’s a problem, they’ll be there before the police show up,” she said.

Customers who contacted Publix received email responses reaffirming the company adheres to federal, state, and local laws, with store managers instructed to involve law enforcement if a customer’s behavior is deemed threatening or unsafe. Other major grocery retailers have taken varied positions: Winn-Dixie continues to prohibit open carry in its Florida stores, citing safety concerns, while Walmart has requested customers refrain from bringing guns into its locations.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier addressed the court decision on X, providing guidance for state prosecutors. “As of last week, open carry is the law of the state,” he stated. The ruling expands open-carry laws in Florida, now joining 47 states that permit some form of open gun carriage, though most impose restrictions.