Publix has updated its firearms policy in Florida, now asking that only law enforcement officers openly carry guns in its stores. The reversal comes months after the supermarket chain became one of the first major retailers in the state to allow customers to openly carry firearms following a change in state law.
Florida became an open carry state in September 2025 after an appeals court struck down the ban on openly carrying firearms as unconstitutional. While private businesses retain the right to prohibit open carry on their property, Publix initially allowed the practice. The company has not publicly explained the reason for its recent policy change.
The updated policy has drawn mixed reactions from customers. Some, like Julio Gonzalez of Cape Coral, expressed safety concerns, stating, 'Basically, I don’t feel safe with that decision. We need to protect, and that is the only reason we carry a gun, not to intimidate.' Others, like James Vargas, argued it is a constitutional right to bear arms.
Simon Aguilar of North Fort Myers urged gun owners to be mindful of others, saying, 'I don’t want my kids walking around a store seeing people brandishing firearms. Throw a shirt over it.' The policy does not prohibit customers from carrying concealed firearms.
Under Florida law, open carry remains prohibited for individuals under 21 and those with felony convictions. Publix's updated policy applies only to its Florida stores, and the company has not indicated whether similar changes will be made in other states.
