Overview
- Publix confirmed it began allowing visible firearms in its Florida locations on Sept. 25, the day open carry became legal statewide.
- The shift follows an appeals court decision that struck down Florida’s open‑carry ban, with state guidance affirming private property rights and sensitive‑location restrictions.
- Reporters found uneven implementation across individual Publix stores, with some managers citing new instructions and others referencing older no‑open‑carry directives.
- Major competitors including Winn‑Dixie, Walmart and Sam’s Club say they will continue to prohibit open carry in their Florida stores under their private policies.
- Shoppers expressed mixed reactions, with some citing safety concerns and others favoring transparency, as Publix reiterated it will contact law enforcement if conduct becomes dangerous.