Publix, Florida's largest supermarket chain, has quietly reversed its policy allowing customers to openly carry firearms in its stores, as reported by Telemundo 51 this Friday.
The shift in policy was noticed through signs posted outside some stores and the company's official chatbot, without any formal announcement from the chain.
At a store located in Pembroke Pines, a sign lists the store's rules—no smoking or vaping, mandatory use of shoes and shirts, no pets allowed—and concludes with: "Publix kindly requests that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores."
A similar sign was reported at a Lakeland store last Thursday.
Policy Reversal in Light of Past Legislation
This move marks a reversal from the stance Publix took in October 2025, when the chain opted to permit open carry in its stores following the enactment of new state legislation.
At that time, spokesperson Lindsey Willis stated that Publix "complies with all federal, state, and local laws," referring to the so-called open carry law that took effect in Florida on September 25, 2025, overturning a state ban that had been in place since 1987.
The legislation became a reality after the Florida First District Court of Appeal's decision in the case of McDaniels v. State on September 10, 2025, which declared the open carry ban unconstitutional.
Comparison with Competitors
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier chose not to appeal the ruling, making it binding for all state courts, and the law went into effect shortly thereafter.
Publix's new stance aligns it more closely with its direct competitors: both Walmart and Winn-Dixie initially chose to request customers not to openly carry firearms in their Florida stores.
In 2025, Winn-Dixie stated, "Our priority is to create a safe, welcoming shopping experience for all customers and associates. We respectfully ask customers to securely store their firearms before entering."
Implications for Publix and Its Customers
The state law allows open carry in public spaces but acknowledges the right of private properties—including supermarkets and businesses—to prohibit it on their premises.
With over 900 stores in Florida, Publix is the largest supermarket chain in the state, making this policy change a significant decision for thousands of customers who shop daily.
As of this publication, Publix has not responded to media inquiries regarding the reasons for the change nor issued an official statement explaining the new firearms policy in its establishments.
Understanding Publix's Firearms Policy Change
Why did Publix change its policy on open carry firearms?
Publix has not officially stated the reasons for its policy change, but it aligns with the practices of competitors like Walmart and Winn-Dixie, which also prohibit open carry in their stores.
What was the previous policy on open carry at Publix?
In October 2025, Publix allowed open carry of firearms in its stores following the enactment of new state legislation permitting it.
How does the state law affect Publix's decision?
While Florida law permits open carry in public spaces, it allows private properties like Publix to prohibit open carry on their premises.