Publix backs down and prohibits customers from openly carrying firearms in its Florida stores

Publix, the largest supermarket chain in Florida, quietly reversed its policy that allowed customers to openly carry firearms in its stores, according to a report from Telemundo 51 this Friday.

The change was detected through signs placed outside some stores and the company's official chatbot, without the chain issuing any formal statement.

In a store located in Pembroke Pines, a sign lists the establishment rules—no smoking or vaping, mandatory use of shoes and shirts, prohibition of pets—and adds at the end: "Publix kindly requests that only law enforcement carry firearms visibly in our stores."

A identical sign was reported in a store in Lakeland last Thursday.

The turnaround represents a reversal of the position that Publix took in October 2025, when the chain decided to allow open carry in its stores following the enactment of the new state legislation.

At that time, the spokesperson Lindsey Willis stated that Publix "complies with all federal, state, and local laws," referring to the so-called open carry law, which came into effect in Florida on September 25, 2025 and revoked a state ban that had been in place since 1987.

This legislation was made possible following the ruling of the First District Court of Appeals of Florida in the case McDaniels v. State, issued on September 10, 2025, which declared the open carry ban unconstitutional that was in effect in the state.

The Attorney General of Florida, James Uthmeier, decided not to appeal the ruling, making it binding for all state courts, and the law took effect days later.

The new stance of Publix brings it in line with its direct competitors: both Walmart and Winn-Dixie have chosen from the outset to ask their customers not to carry visible weapons in their Florida stores.

Winn-Dixie stated in 2025: "Our priority is to create a safe and welcoming shopping experience for all customers and associates. We respectfully ask customers to secure their firearms safely before entering."

State law permits open carry in public spaces, but acknowledges the right of private properties—such as supermarkets and businesses—to prohibit it on their premises.

Publix has more than 900 stores in Florida and is the largest supermarket chain in the state, making this policy change a significant decision for thousands of customers who shop daily.

As of the time of this publication, Publix has not responded to media inquiries regarding the reasons for the change nor has it issued an official statement explaining the new policy on carrying weapons in its stores.