Publix has confirmed it will follow the state’s new open carry law, which took effect on September 25, 2025. The announcement comes after the 1st District Court of Appeal overturned a 1987 law that made it a misdemeanor to display a gun in public.
“As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state, and local laws,” a Publix spokesperson told NBC affiliate News Channel 8 and the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
The company stressed that customer and employee safety remains its priority, adding, “In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic, or dangerous shopping experience — whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not — we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates.”
Publix, which operates more than 900 stores across Florida, confirmed through multiple South Florida locations that open carry is now permitted following the court’s decision.
Other major retailers are taking a different approach. Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie, Harveys, and Fresco y Más, stated, “Our policy remains unchanged: we do not permit open carry of firearms inside our Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores.” Walmart also reaffirmed its request that customers not openly carry firearms in stores, “motivated by our desire to create a safe environment.”
Some lawmakers, including Parkland Representative Christine Hunchofsky, voiced concerns about confusion surrounding the law.
“I don’t like when there is confusion out there because it often leads to mistakes and bad things happening,” she told NBC 6 South Florida.
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