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Florida is experiencing a new phase in its gun control debate. The recent authorization of open carry has shaken both residents and businesses in the state.
Since September 25, 2025, following a court ruling that overturned a 1987 state law, Floridians can openly carry firearms without the need to conceal them or obtain special permits.
This relaxation has put many supermarket chains and retail stores in front of a key decision: will they allow customers to enter visibly armed?
Although the law allows for open carry, private companies have the authority to establish their own internal rules.
Some chains have chosen to restrict the entry of visible weapons, while others, such as Publix—the largest supermarket chain in the state—have decided to allow it.
The local press has outlined the policies of some of the major chains in Florida, which we list below:
Policies on firearm carrying by supermarket chains
Walmart and Sam's Club
Although Walmart sells firearms for sporting and hunting purposes, it has prohibited open carry on its premises since 2019.
"We ask customers not to openly carry firearms in our Walmart or Sam's Club stores in states where open carry is allowed, unless they have authorization from law enforcement," it reads on their official website.
Walmart will continue to allow concealed carry in accordance with local laws, but expressly prohibits customers from displaying weapons while shopping.
Winn-Dixie, Harveys, and Fresco y Más
The parent company, Southeastern Grocers, has also maintained its policy of not allowing open carry of firearms in its establishments.
"We respectfully ask customers to secure their firearms safely before entering. Our priority is to create a safe and welcoming shopping experience," stated the company.
Employees of these chains have confirmed that if a customer is seen with a visible weapon, management will ask them to conceal it or leave the establishment.
Costco
Costco strictly prohibits the entry of weapons, both visible and concealed, except for authorized law enforcement officers.
"We do not believe it is necessary to bring firearms into our warehouses. This is not a new policy and applies to all our warehouses worldwide," they state on their website.
Costco's policy is one of the most restrictive among retailers with a presence in Florida.
Target
Target has also chosen to keep its doors closed to those carrying firearms, whether visible or concealed.
"We respectfully request that customers do not bring firearms to Target, even in communities where it is allowed. We want to provide a family-friendly and safe environment," they have stated.
Publix and the shift in its policy
Publix, with over 900 locations in Florida and regarded as the largest supermarket chain in the state, has sparked intense debate by announcing that it will allow open carry of firearms in its stores.
On September 10, 2025, a panel of the First District Court of Appeal in Florida declared the law banning open carry unconstitutional.
Since the ruling has not been challenged by other courts, the measure took effect on September 25, granting full validity to the public display of firearms.
In this context, Publix confirmed to several media outlets its alignment with the new state regulations:
“Publix complies with all federal, state, and local laws. Treating customers with dignity and respect is a fundamental belief. If a customer creates a threatening or dangerous shopping experience, we will contact the authorities”, stated Maria Brous, the company's communications director, in response to the agency EFE.
According to reports from the South Florida Sun Sentinel and the Orlando Sentinel, journalists confirmed this policy with employees and managers from at least twelve stores in the southern and central parts of the state.
In cities like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Kissimmee, and Tavares, it was confirmed that customers can openly carry firearms inside stores.
Some nuances arise depending on the location:
In St. Cloud, it was clarified that staff cannot confront customers solely for carrying a weapon.
In Kissimmee, the police would only intervene if there is suspicion of a crime.
In Groveland, the old policy that only permitted concealed carry was still in place.
Although regional spokespeople for Publix have not responded to the media following the change, the policy seems to have been implemented widely.
Mixed reactions
The decision has polarized Floridians. While some value the ability to carry firearms as an extension of their constitutional rights, others view it as a threat to everyday safety.
"Openly carrying weapons in a supermarket will scare people. Publix is not a place where my family and I go shopping," stated Sheila Alu, former commissioner of the city of Sunrise.
In contrast, Ana Campos, a private investigator, stated in comments reported by Cbs12: “Seeing a weapon can provide a sense of security, as long as the individual is responsible. If an issue arises, they can respond before the police do.”
State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith was emphatic in criticizing the judicial decision and Publix's response:
"For years, we opposed open carry of firearms. This is the result of right-wing judges and an unelected attorney general who refuses to uphold our laws. It does not make us safer," he wrote on social media.
What comes next?
The open carry law does not eliminate the existence of gun-free zones, which remain in effect in places such as: courts, police stations, schools and universities, stadiums, polling places, bars, hospitals, airports, and businesses that expressly prohibit them.
In fact, Florida law enforcement has reminded that private businesses have the right to prohibit entrance with visible weapons, a decision that many chains have exercised.
The authorization of open carry in Florida has put supermarkets, retailers, and citizens at a complex crossroads: balancing individual rights with public safety.
The decision not only sets a business precedent in the state but could also influence how other companies respond to the new legal environment.
With more than a third of the Floridian population armed, according to estimates, and a polarized political atmosphere, this debate is far from over.
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