Publix Supermarkets has officially rolled back its policy allowing customers to openly carry firearms in its Florida locations, updated signage and website notices now “kindly ask” that only law enforcement officers do so. The reversal comes just months after the chain became one of the few major retailers to permit the practice following a 2025 appellate court ruling that struck down Florida’s open carry ban.
LAKELAND, FL — The grocery aisles of Florida’s most prominent supermarket chain are undergoing a quiet but significant change in security posture. This week, residents at several Publix locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties noticed new signage at store entrances. The new directive states: “Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores”.
This policy shift, also reflected on the company’s website FAQ, marks a major U-turn for the grocer. In October 2025, Publix became a rare corporate outlier by welcoming open carry after the First District Court of Appeal ruled in McDaniels v. State that Florida’s decades-old ban on the practice was unconstitutional.
The Legal and Social Landscape
At the time of the court ruling, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a memo stating that open carry was now “the law of the state”. While many retailers like Walmart and Target maintained policies discouraging the practice, Publix initially embraced it.
The reasons for the sudden rollback remain unofficial, as Publix spokespersons have not yet responded to inquiries. However, the change follows an incident last week at a Miramar Publix, where a negligent discharge forced police to conduct a full safety sweep of the building. While no one was injured, the event reignited local debates over the “normalization” of holstered firearms in crowded public spaces.
What This Means for Gun Owners
The new guideline is worded as a request rather than a “firm ban,” leading to some confusion among customers as to whether it will be strictly enforced through armed trespass warnings. Notably, the updated language does not mention concealed weapons, which remain legal for permit holders (and under Florida’s permitless carry statutes) in most public settings.
Safety Tip: As a 2A advocate and concealed carry holder, it’s vital to remember that “Private Property Rights” are a cornerstone of American law. Even if a state allows open carry, a business like Publix has the legal prerogative to ask you to leave if you are carrying in a manner they don’t approve of. Ignoring a “kind request” from a store manager can quickly escalate into an armed trespass charge—a third-degree felony in Florida. To avoid “print” and unnecessary confrontations, many experienced defenders prefer high-quality IWB (Inside the Waistband) holsters. This allows you to maintain your defensive capability while respecting the store’s policy, ensuring you can “wander the aisles” without drawing unwanted attention or police involvement.
