A recent court decision has effectively legalized open carry in Florida—and at least some Publix store managers say the company will allow it inside its stores. But not every grocery chain is following suit, and this has reignited a familiar debate: the tension between gun rights and private property rights.

Florida Court Declares Open Carry Ban Unconstitutional

Back on September 10, the First District Court of Appeal struck down Florida’s long-standing ban on open carry as unconstitutional. The very next day, Attorney General James Uthmeier affirmed that open carry is now legal throughout the state.

Since then, sheriff’s departments across Florida have announced they will no longer enforce the old law. But there are caveats—certain locations like schools, government buildings, and meetings remain off-limits for firearms, whether carried openly or concealed.

Publix Employees Say Open Carry Is Now Allowed

According to The Ledger and other local media outlets, several Publix store managers confirmed that open carry is now being allowed, in accordance with the new legal landscape.

“That’s a state law now so there’s nothing Publix can do to restrict open carry. So Publix is allowing it,” a manager at a Jacksonville Publix told reporters.

Another manager in Lakeland confirmed the same. However, the company itself has made no official public statement. Previous policy discouraged open carry in 2021, even in states where it was legal, preferring only law enforcement to carry visibly. But this new shift, at least per store-level conversations, seems to reflect an adaptation to the law rather than a reversal of values.

It’s worth noting that Publix employees are still not allowed to carry firearms—open or concealed—while on the clock or even have one in their vehicles in the parking lot while working.

Not Every Grocer Is Following Suit

Other major grocery chains are holding the line against open carry.

• Winn-Dixie issued a statement reaffirming its prohibition:“As a private business, our policy remains unchanged: We do not permit open carry of firearms inside our stores.”
• Walmart and Sam’s Club are also reportedly continuing their bans, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

Opinion: Rights Come With Choices—On Both Sides

I believe the right to open carry is just that—a right. And thanks to the recent ruling, Floridians can now legally exercise that right in public spaces.

But I also recognize that private property rights matter as well. If a store like Winn-Dixie wants to prohibit open carry, that’s their call. And just like they can choose who shops there, we can choose where we spend our money. It’s a two-way street.

Personally, while I fully support open carry being allowed under law, I choose to carry concealed. It keeps the element of surprise. It also avoids drawing attention or concern from others who may not understand or appreciate seeing a firearm on someone’s hip in the cereal aisle.

Expect Mixed Reactions

As expected, this issue has sparked a wide range of reactions:

• Some customers say they’ll avoid stores that allow open carry.
• Others say they feel safer knowing good guys might be present and armed.

One Fort Lauderdale private investigator told the Sentinel she welcomes it:

“If there’s a problem, they’ll be there before the police show up.”

That’s a sentiment we hear often—and a reminder that when seconds count, being prepared matters.

Final Thoughts

I’ll be keeping an eye on whether Publix corporate issues a formal policy statement. Until then, customers should probably be aware that policies may vary slightly by store, even if the law now permits open carry statewide.

And for those who choose to carry—whether open or concealed—remember: carrying a firearm is a responsibility. Know the law. Respect private property. And don’t be surprised if others don’t share your perspective.