Publix, a major retailer in Florida, has quietly updated its firearms policy, now requesting that only law enforcement officers openly carry guns in its stores. The policy shift follows Florida becoming an open-carry state in September, a change that allowed private businesses to set their own firearms rules.
Initial Policy Reversal
Initially, Publix was one of the first major retailers in Florida to permit customers to openly carry firearms after the state law changed. The updated policy has drawn mixed reactions from customers, with some gun rights supporters expressing disapproval and others supporting the change for safety reasons.
Concealed Carry Still Permitted
Publix's revised policy does not prohibit customers from carrying concealed firearms within its stores. In full, Florida Publix stores will no longer allow shoppers to open carry firearms. Some are threatening to boycott the chain over the decision.
