Publix, one of the largest supermarket chains in the southeastern United States, has quietly reversed its policy on open carry of firearms in its Florida stores, a move that has sparked both praise and condemnation from customers and gun rights advocates. The retailer, which had previously allowed customers to openly carry guns following a change in state law, now requests that only law enforcement officers openly display firearms while shopping.
Policy Change and Public Reaction
The updated policy was confirmed through a statement on Publix’s customer service FAQ page, which reads: “Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores.” This marks a significant departure from the company’s stance just months earlier, when it became one of the first major retailers in Florida to permit open carry after an appeals court struck down the state’s ban on the practice as unconstitutional in September 2025.
The reversal has drawn sharp reactions from shoppers. Some gun rights supporters have threatened to boycott the chain, arguing that the policy infringes on their Second Amendment rights. James Vargas of Cape Coral told local media, “I think it’s our constitutional right to be able to bear arms. I think we should be able to carry our firearms anyplace.” Conversely, others have expressed relief. Simon Aguilar of North Fort Myers said, “I don’t want my kids walking around a store seeing people brandishing firearms. Throw a shirt over it. I don’t see an issue with being protective of yourself.”
Legal and Business Context
Florida’s open carry law, which took effect in September 2025, allows individuals to openly carry firearms in public, but private businesses retain the right to prohibit weapons on their premises. Publix initially opted to allow open carry, a decision that drew mixed reactions at the time. In October 2025, Publix spokesperson Lindsey Willis stated, “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.” She added that the company would engage law enforcement if any customer created a threatening or dangerous environment.
Other major retailers, including Walmart and Target, have maintained policies discouraging or banning open carry in their stores. Publix has not publicly explained the specific reasons for its recent policy shift.
Impact on Customers
Public opinion remains divided. Julio Gonzalez of Cape Coral said, “Basically, I don’t feel safe with that decision. We need to protect, and that is the only reason we carry a gun, not to intimidate, not to do anything wrong, it’s just to protect the family.” In contrast, a woman on X wrote, “I don’t care. I wear mine and nobody knows that a 70 yo woman will be the one who will take a bad actor down.”
Under Florida law, open carry remains prohibited for individuals under 21 and those with felony convictions. Businesses also have the authority to set their own firearms policies on private property. Publix’s updated policy does not affect customers carrying concealed firearms, which remains legal with a permit.
The Independent has reached out to Publix and the National Rifle Association for comment.
