Publix has updated its store policy to request that only law enforcement officers openly carry firearms in its stores.
This updates previous guidance from late 2025 that allowed open carry to comply with Florida state law changes.
The new policy is phrased as a “kindly asks” request rather than an outright ban, but it signals a reversal of their previous, more permissive stance.
What’s Publix saying about the change in policy?
“Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores,” the message reads, near the bottom of a broader list of store rules, alongside more routine policies like no pets and no soliciting. The company’s online chatbot, when asked about open carry, returns the same message.
A Publix customer service representative confirmed the policy change to Suncoast Searchlight, although the chain has not issued an official notice. Questions sent to a Publix representative have not yet been answered.
Poll: Publix changes policy on openly carrying firearms
Do you have an opinion about this topic?
Write a letter to the editor and send it to: letters@naplesnews.com and/or mailbag@news-press.com. Keep it to 250 words or fewer and include your contact info. Have more to say: Send a guest column of no more than 600 words.
What does open carry mean?
“Open carry” means you can publicly carry a legally owned firearm that is kept in plain sight or partially concealed, usually holstered.
Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.
Is open carry legal in Florida?
Yes. However, there is a lengthy list of sensitive locations such as police stations, courthouses, polling places, government meetings, athletic events, schools, bars and more where concealed weapons are not permitted.
Contributing: Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit newsroom of the Community News Collaborative serving Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties
Contributing: C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Publix changes policy on openly carrying firearms. Agree or disagree?
Reporting by Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
