Publix Super Markets in Florida now allow open carry of firearms, following a September court ruling that struck down the state’s ban.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier confirmed open carry is now legal statewide. However, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw warns gun owners to act responsibly, emphasizing that recklessness won’t be tolerated.
While open carry is permitted, restrictions still apply in sensitive areas like schools and courthouses. Publix managers confirmed compliance with the law, but the grocery chain retains the right to ask armed individuals to leave.
What is Florida’s open carry law? What you need to know
In Florida, “open carry” means legally carrying a firearm in public that is visible to others, often in a holster on the hip.
This practice became legal for the first time in the state on September 25, 2025, following a court ruling that overturned the previous ban on openly carrying firearms. It is a significant legal change from the previous practice, where concealed carry was only permitted with a license.
Is Florida’s Publix the exception with open carry in stores?
People contacted by the Sentinel newspapers differed in their reactions to Publix’s decisions.
Sheila Alu, a former city commissioner in the Broward County community of Sunrise, Sunrise commissioner, said she supports the Second Amendment but was concerned open carry at Publix would frighten people. Alu said she plans to stop shopping at stores allowing open carry.
A Fort Lauderdale private investigator told the newspaper she would feel safer shopping in stores or malls allowing open carry.
“That’s assuming the person is a responsible gun owner,” said the investigator, identified as Ana Campos. “And if there’s a problem, they will be there (to respond) before the police show up.”
Winn-Dixie, Walmart and Sam’s Club say they plan to continue to prohibit open carry in Florida stores despite the recent ruling, the Sentinel also reported.
Where are you not allowed to carry a concealed weapon in Florida?
In Florida, you cannot conceal carry on school campuses, in courthouses, police and sheriff’s offices, detention facilities, government buildings, at government meetings, and in bars where alcohol sales constitute over 50% of revenue. Private businesses can also ban concealed carry on their property by posting signs indicating this prohibition.
Restricted Locations:
What do you think about this change? Take a poll and share your opinion on Florida’s new open carry policy at Publix.
Francesca Abarca is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at fabarca@gannett.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What to know on Florida Publix allowing open carry, plus take our poll to voice your opinion
Reporting by Francesca Abarca, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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