Publix Permits Open Carry of Firearms in Florida Stores Following State Court Ruling

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

Florida’s open-carry restrictions were lifted on Sept. 25 after the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled the state’s long-standing ban unconstitutional, allowing adults to openly carry guns in public while permitting private businesses to prohibit open carry on their property. Publix, one of Florida’s largest grocery chains with over 900 stores, has opted to allow open carry, according to employees and reports from news outlets including the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Customers at Publix locations in South and Central Florida have been informed they may openly carry firearms inside, aligning with the new law. A statement from Publix spokeswoman Lindsey Willis emphasized compliance with federal, state, and local laws, stating that threatening or erratic behavior involving anyone at stores would prompt a request for law enforcement support.

Public reaction to the policy shift has been divided. Former Sunrise City Commissioner Sheila Alu expressed concern, supporting the Second Amendment but vowing to avoid Publix due to fears of intimidating public displays of firearms. In contrast, Fort Lauderdale resident Ana Campos argued that responsible gun owners could enhance safety by acting before police arrive.

Other major Florida retailers have taken varying approaches. Winn-Dixie continues to prohibit open carry in its stores, citing customer safety, while Walmart has urged customers to refrain from bringing guns into its locations. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier reiterated the court’s decision as binding on all trial courts, affirming that open carry is now lawful in the state.

The ruling expands the number of U.S. states permitting some form of open gun carrying to 47, though most still impose restrictions.