Publix has announced it will allow customers to openly carry firearms in its Florida stores, following a recent state appeals court decision declaring the state’s open carry ban unconstitutional. The grocery chain emphasized its commitment to following all laws while maintaining a safe shopping environment.

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ORLANDO, FL (3-minute read) — In response to a major shift in Florida firearm legislation, Publix has confirmed it will now allow open carry of firearms in its grocery stores across the state. This announcement follows a state appeals court ruling that deemed Florida’s longstanding open carry ban unconstitutional.

A spokesperson for Publix stated that the company will continue to comply fully with all federal, state, and local laws. “Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix,” the company shared in a statement to a local media outlet. “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.”

This change sets Publix apart from other major grocery and retail chains such as Walmart, Target, Winn-Dixie, Sam’s Club, and Costco, all of which request that customers refrain from bringing firearms into their stores. While open carry is now allowed at Publix in Florida, the company made it clear that behavior, and not the presence of a firearm, will dictate intervention by store staff or law enforcement.

Florida’s Firearm Law Shift and What It Means for Shoppers

Florida’s appeals court decision has sparked significant conversation among gun rights advocates and those concerned about public safety. Open carry laws vary greatly across the U.S., with some states embracing it fully, others allowing it only under specific conditions, and some maintaining strong restrictions. With this court ruling, Florida moves into a category of states with broader rights for firearm carriers, particularly benefiting those who lawfully own firearms and hold concealed carry permits.

Gun owners should still be aware that private businesses reserve the right to impose their own restrictions. In the absence of signage or corporate policy to the contrary, lawful open carry is now permitted at Publix locations throughout Florida.

For concealed carriers, this change offers flexibility, but it also comes with responsibility. Anyone openly carrying should do so with a secure holster, avoid any behavior that might be interpreted as aggressive, and stay up-to-date on local ordinances that might still impose limits on firearm visibility in certain jurisdictions.

Safety Tip: Even when open carry is legal, always use a secure retention holster and maintain full control of your firearm at all times. Avoid confrontations and remain situationally aware to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.