There’s a chance the next time you’re in Publix you could see a fellow customer openly carrying a firearm.
The change comes following a state appeals court ruling that Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns is unconstitutional. It only applies to people legally allowed to possess a firearm. It does not affect other restrictions in Florida’s gun laws, such as restrictions for people under the age of 21, convicted felons, “violent career criminals,” or people who have restraining orders from committing acts of domestic violence.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said that state and federal restrictions on carrying firearms in specific locations such as schools and government buildings would still apply. Private businesses are allowed to set their own policies about firearms on their properties.
Publix Super Markets has not explicitly said it would allow customers to openly carry firearms in its stores, but a statement from the company implied that it would.
“Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix,” a Publix spokesperson told FLORIDA TODAY. “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.”
Are guns allowed in other grocery stores like Aldi, Walmart, Win-Dixie?
How many Publix locations are in Brevard County?
There are 26 Publix stores in Brevard County.
The Space Coast will get another Publix later this month. A Palm Bay store, located at 150 Saint Johns Heritage Pkwy N.W., will open Oct. 30.
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com
C.A. Bridges and Samantha Neely with the USA Today Network contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Can you carry a gun into Brevard Publix stores? It appears that yes you can
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, Florida Today / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
