Publix, the Florida-based supermarket chain, has reversed its policy on open carry of firearms in its stores, now asking that only law enforcement officers openly carry guns while shopping. The change, quietly updated on the company's customer service FAQ page, comes just months after Florida became an open carry state in September 2025.
Following an appeals court ruling that struck down the state's ban on openly carrying firearms as unconstitutional, Publix initially allowed customers to openly carry guns, becoming one of the first major retailers in Florida to do so. Other chains, including Walmart and Target, continued policies discouraging or banning the practice. Publix has not publicly explained the reason for its recent reversal.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from shoppers. Some, like Julio Gonzalez of Cape Coral, expressed safety concerns, stating, 'Basically, I don’t feel safe with that decision.' Others, such as James Vargas, argued it is a constitutional right to bear arms. Simon Aguilar of North Fort Myers said, 'I don’t want my kids walking around a store seeing people brandishing firearms.'
Under Florida's law, open carry remains prohibited for people under 21 and those with felony convictions. Businesses retain the authority to set their own firearms policies on private property. Publix's updated policy does not prohibit customers from carrying concealed firearms.
