For months, Publix stores in Florida allowed customers to openly carry firearms, but that has changed in a move that is drawing backlash from some gun rights supporters.
The retailer quietly updated its firearms policy in Florida, and now asks that only law enforcement officers openly carry guns while shopping, the Sun Sentinel reports.
“Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores,” according to a statement posted on Publix’s customer service FAQ page on their website.
The shift comes just months after Florida became an open carry state in September, when an appeals court struck down the state’s ban on openly carrying firearms as unconstitutional. While the new law allows open carry, private businesses still have the right to prohibit it on their property.
After the law changed, Publix became one of the first major retailers in Florida to allow customers to openly carry firearms inside stores. Other chains, including Walmart and Target, continued policies discouraging or banning the practice. Publix has not publicly explained what prompted the recent reversal.
In October, Publix spokesperson Lindsey Willis provided a statement to the Sun Sentinel after the law took effect, saying: “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.”
Willis added at the time, “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.”
That decision drew mixed reactions from customers at the time. And now, the updated policy is once again dividing shoppers.
Julio Gonzalez of Cape Coral told Gulf Coast News Now, “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.”
James Vargas, also from Cape Coral, added: “I think it’s our constitutional right to be able to bear arms. I think we should be able to carry our firearms anyplace.”
“I don't care,” one woman wrote on X. “I wear mine and nobody knows that a 70 yo woman will be the one who will take a bad actor down.”
Others supported the change.
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.”
The Independent has reached out to Publix and the NRA for comment.
Publix’s updated policy does not prohibit customers from carrying concealed firearms.
Aguilar also urged gun owners to consider how visible firearms affect others in public spaces.
“Be mindful of other people in the community for sure,” he said.
Under Florida’s law, open carry remains prohibited for people under 21 and those with felony convictions. Businesses also retain the authority to set their own firearms policies on private property.
