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Florida\u2019s largest grocery chain has confirmed it will now allow open carry of firearms in its stores \u2014 a major shift following a recent court ruling and change in state law.<\/p>\n
Publix, which operates over 900 stores across the state, says it will follow the new open carry policy now in effect statewide<\/a>.<\/p>\n On Sept. 10, Florida\u2019s 1st District Court of Appeal overturned a decades-old law that previously made it a misdemeanor to openly carry a firearm in public.<\/p>\n The state\u2019s open carry policy officially went into effect Sept. 25, 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cAs of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state and local laws,\u201d the company said in a statement to NBC News Channel 8<\/a>.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Target Reveals the 6 Items You\u2019re Forbidden to Return or Exchange<\/a><\/p>\n The grocery chain emphasized that customer and employee safety remains the top priority.<\/p>\n \u201cIn any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience \u2014 whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not \u2014 we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates,\u201d a Publix spokesperson added<\/a>.<\/p>\n This move makes Publix one of the few major retailers in Florida choosing to fully align with the state\u2019s open carry law \u2014 setting it apart from other grocery giants.<\/p>\n While Publix will allow open carry, several other stores have announced they\u2019ll continue to prohibit it inside their locations:<\/p>\n Walmart<\/strong> prohibits open carry in all stores unless the individual is a member of law enforcement.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>To Stop Shoplifters, Retailers Are Pushing Boundaries With a Controversial New Tactic<\/a><\/p>\n Winn-Dixie<\/strong>, Harveys<\/strong>, and Fresco y M\u00e1s<\/strong> \u2014 all owned by Southeastern Grocers \u2014 have also maintained their ban.<\/p>\n \u201cOur policy remains unchanged: We do not permit open carry of firearms\u2026 We respectfully ask customers to secure firearms safely before entering,\u201d Southeastern Grocers said in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n The ruling gives private businesses the right<\/a> to ask armed customers to leave if their presence becomes disruptive \u2014 even under open carry laws.<\/p>\n Have you ever driven by a store or restaurant and wondered how they’re still surviving? This list includes 18 businesses that exist \u2014 and in some cases thrive<\/em> \u2014 in a climate that just doesn’t seem like it would support them. How many do you frequent?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Law, New Policy<\/h3>\n
Other Retailers Say ‘No’<\/h3>\n
What It Means for Shoppers<\/h3>\n
18 Stores You Can’t Believe Are Still Open<\/h2>\n