Florida’s largest grocery chain permits open carry while others ban guns

Florida’s largest grocery store chain now allows open carry of firearms at hundreds of its locations across the Sunshine State.

Publix — which has 882 stores in Florida according to its website — began allowing the practice in recent weeks, according to local reports.

“As of September 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms,” a Publix spokesperson told FOX Business, adding that the company “follows all federal, state and local laws.” Open carry became permissible after the Florida Court of Appeals ruled that the state’s ban on open carry was unconstitutional.

Private businesses, such as grocery stores and private landlords, still have the right to ban guns. Additionally, certain locations such as courthouses, schools, and government facilities are designated as places prohibited for the open or concealed carry of firearms.

Supreme Court hears Second Amendment case challenging Hawaii’s gun law

“Any person carrying a firearm who violates a property owner’s warning to leave will commit armed trespass, a third-degree felony,” said a memorandum of guidance from Florida Attorney General James Othmeyer to Florida law enforcement and prosecutors.

Federal appeals court approves Illinois restrictions on carrying weapons on public transportation

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District holds a handgun during a campaign stop at the Masonic Lodge on October 4, 2022 in Del Norte, Colorado. (RG Sangusti/MediaNews Group/Denver Post/Getty Images)

To that end, one of Publix’s main competitors says its policy against bringing firearms inside has not changed.

A customer exits an Aldi supermarket on August 17, 2023 in Pflugerville, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Click here to read more about Fox Business

“Our priority is creating a safe and welcoming shopping experience for all customers and associates,” a Winn-Dixie spokesperson told FOX Business via email. “We respectfully ask customers to safely secure firearms before entering, and we appreciate the continued cooperation that helps us maintain an environment where everyone feels comfortable.”