Publix Allows Open Carry in Florida Stores: What Shoppers Need to Know

 

Key takeaways

• Publix says it will follow Florida law and now permits open carry in its Florida stores. Effective Sept. 25, 2025. 
  
• The shift follows a court ruling that struck down Florida’s prior open-carry ban as unconstitutional. 
  
• Private property rules still apply: Publix (and any store) can ask a customer to leave if conduct is threatening or violates store policy; law enforcement may be engaged if safety is at risk. 
  
• Florida’s law does restrict firearms in places like schools, polling places and certain government buildings; grocery stores aren’t explicitly restricted by state/federal law. 

What changed and when?

Publix confirmed to local media that, in line with state law, it began allowing open carry in Florida stores as of Sept. 25, 2025; the day Florida officially permitted the practice. The company said it “follows all federal, state, and local laws.” 

Why did Publix update its policy?

On Sept. 10, 2025, an appeals court found Florida’s open-carry ban violated the Second Amendment, clearing the way for open carry statewide. Reporters noted the ruling did not enumerate specific permitted/prohibited locations, which is why businesses’ own property rights and existing state/federal location bans matter. 

What Publix says about safety and conduct

Publix emphasized customer and associate safety, stating that if any customer creates a threatening, erratic, or dangerous shopping experience, whether openly carrying or not, the company will involve local law enforcement. 

Where guns are still off-limits

Even with open carry now legal, other state and federal restrictions remain. Examples include schools, police stations, post offices, federal courthouses, and legislative meetings. Grocery stores are not explicitly restricted by these rules, which leaves decisions to each private property owner’s policy and the conduct of the carrier. 

How many Publix stores are affected?

Publix operates hundreds of stores across Florida; coverage referenced 882 Florida locations when reporting the policy shift. 

 

Shopper FAQ

Can Publix still say “no guns allowed”?
Publix follows the law and is allowing open carry; however, as a private property owner, it can set conduct expectations and ask anyone to leave if behavior creates a threatening or dangerous environment. 

Is concealed carry different from open carry?
Yes. Florida permitted concealed carry (with evolving licensing rules) before 2025. The new development is that open carry is now legal statewide following the court ruling and effective Sept. 25, 2025. 

Are there places I still can’t carry?
Yes, schools, polling places, certain government buildings, and federally restricted sites remain off-limits. 

 

Timeline

• Sept. 10, 2025: Appeals court finds Florida’s open-carry ban unconstitutional.
  
• Sept. 25, 2025: Open carry officially legal in Florida; Publix begins allowing open carry in stores that day.
  
• Oct. 8, 2025: Multiple Florida outlets report Publix’s policy alignment with state law and share the company’s statement.