Overview

• Publix confirmed open carry is permitted in its roughly 900 Florida locations following a Sept. 25 shift in state law after an appeals court struck down the ban.
• Company guidance tells staff not to intervene solely over a visible firearm and to seek law enforcement help if a customer creates a threatening or disruptive situation.
• Under the ruling and attorney general guidance, private businesses may set their own rules and can require armed customers to leave their premises.
• Major retailers including Winn‑Dixie, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target and Costco say they will continue to prohibit or request that customers not openly carry firearms in their stores.
• Shoppers interviewed across the state expressed mixed views, with some citing safety concerns and others saying visible carry increases awareness.