Open Carry in Florida Supermarkets: New Policies and Controversies

The debate over gun control in Florida has entered a new phase, sparked by the recent authorization of open carry, which has left both residents and businesses in a state of uncertainty. As of September 25, 2025, following a judicial ruling that overturned a 1987 state law, Floridians are now permitted to openly display firearms in public without the need for special permits or concealment.

This change has forced many supermarket chains and retail stores to make a crucial decision: will they allow customers to openly carry weapons on their premises? While the law permits open carry, private businesses retain the authority to implement their own internal policies. Some chains have chosen to ban visible weapons, whereas others, such as Publix—the largest supermarket chain in the state—have opted to allow it.

Supermarket Chains' Firearms Policies

Walmart and Sam’s Club
Despite selling firearms for sporting and hunting purposes, Walmart has prohibited open carry in its stores since 2019. According to their official website, “We respectfully request that customers no longer openly carry firearms in our Walmart or Sam’s Club stores in states where open carry is permitted, unless they are authorized law enforcement officers.” While concealed carry is still allowed in accordance with local laws, Walmart explicitly discourages the display of firearms during shopping.

Winn-Dixie, Harveys, and Fresco y Más
Southeastern Grocers, the parent company, has also maintained a policy against the open carry of firearms in their locations. “We respectfully ask our customers to safely store their firearms before entering. Our priority is to create a safe and welcoming shopping experience,” the company stated. Employees of these chains have confirmed that management will request a customer to conceal their weapon or leave if a visible firearm is detected.

Costco
Costco strictly bans the entry of firearms, whether visible or concealed, except for authorized law enforcement officers. As stated on their website, “We do not believe it is necessary to bring firearms into our warehouses. This is not a new policy and applies to all our warehouses worldwide.” Costco's policy is among the most restrictive among Florida retailers.

Target
Target has similarly decided to keep its doors closed to those carrying firearms, visible or concealed. “We respectfully request that customers do not bring firearms to Target, even in communities where it is allowed. We wish to provide a family-friendly and safe environment,” Target representatives have indicated.

Publix's Policy Shift

Publix, with over 900 locations in Florida and recognized as the state's largest supermarket chain, has stirred significant debate by announcing that it will permit open carry in its stores. On September 10, 2025, a panel from Florida's First District Court of Appeals declared the ban on open carry unconstitutional. With no higher courts challenging the ruling, it took effect on September 25, granting legal validity to the public display of firearms.

In response to the new state regulations, Publix confirmed its compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Maria Brous, the company’s communications director, emphasized, “Treating customers with dignity and respect is a core belief. If a customer creates a threatening or dangerous shopping experience, we will contact authorities.” Reports from the South Florida Sun Sentinel and the Orlando Sentinel have confirmed this policy with employees and managers in at least twelve stores across the southern and central regions of the state.

In cities such as Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Kissimmee, and Tavares, it has been validated that customers can carry weapons visibly inside the stores. However, there are nuances based on location:

• In St. Cloud, staff are instructed not to confront customers solely for carrying a weapon.
• In Kissimmee, police intervention is reserved for suspected criminal activity.
• In Groveland, the previous policy allowing only concealed carry was still in effect.

Although regional spokespersons for Publix have not responded to media inquiries following the policy change, the policy appears to have been implemented widely.

Mixed Reactions

The decision has polarized Floridians. While some view the ability to openly carry firearms as an extension of their constitutional rights, others see it as a threat to everyday safety. “Carrying guns openly in a supermarket will scare people. Publix is not a place where I or my family will shop,” stated Sheila Alu, a former Sunrise city commissioner.

In contrast, Ana Campos, a private investigator, told Cbs12, “Seeing a weapon can provide a sense of security, as long as the person is responsible. If an issue arises, they can respond before the police do.”

State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith strongly criticized both the judicial decision and Publix’s response on social media: “For years, we opposed open carry. This is the result of right-wing judges and an unelected attorney general who refuses to defend our laws. It doesn’t make us safer.”

What Lies Ahead?

While the open carry law is in effect, gun-free zones remain in place at locations such as courthouses, police stations, schools and universities, stadiums, polling places, bars, hospitals, airports, and businesses that explicitly prohibit them. Florida sheriffs have reminded the public that private businesses still hold the right to prohibit visible firearms, a decision many chains have exercised.

The authorization of open carry in Florida has placed supermarkets, retailers, and citizens at a complex crossroads: balancing individual rights with public safety. This decision not only sets a business precedent in the state, but it could also influence how other companies respond to the new legal landscape. With more than a third of Floridians estimated to be armed and a politically divided atmosphere, this debate is far from over.