By Jim Mishler | Wednesday, 08 October 2025 06:47 PM EDT
Florida’s open-carry restrictions were lifted on Sept. 25 after the 1st District Court of Appeal ruled the state’s long-standing ban unconstitutional. The decision permits adults to openly carry firearms in public while allowing private businesses to prohibit open carry on their premises.
Publix, one of Florida’s largest grocery chains with over 900 stores, has opted to permit open carry following the ruling. Employees confirmed that customers are being informed they may openly carry guns inside, aligning with the new law. A Publix spokeswoman stated, “As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state, and local laws.” The statement added that threatening or erratic behavior would prompt requests for law enforcement support.
Customer reactions have varied. Former Sunrise City Commissioner Sheila Alu, a Second Amendment advocate, said she will avoid Publix due to concerns about public safety. “Open carry in a grocery store or mall will frighten people,” she said. Conversely, Fort Lauderdale resident Ana Campos expressed potential comfort with seeing responsible gun owners in stores, stating, “If there’s a problem, they’ll be there before the police show up.”
Other major Florida retailers have taken different approaches. Winn-Dixie continues to ban open carry, citing safety concerns, while Walmart has urged customers not to bring guns into its stores. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the court decision’s implications, noting it establishes open carry as state law.
The ruling adds Florida to 47 U.S. states allowing some form of open firearm carrying, though most impose restrictions.
