Publix changes open-carry firearms policy in its Florida grocery stores

Publix has rolled back a policy that allowed the open-carry of firearms in its Florida supermarkets, according to posted signs at stores and a new entry on the chain’s website.

“Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores,” the company says in a new notice on its website.

A company spokesperson did not respond to several messages from the Miami Herald to explain the reasons for the change.

During the six months of open carry at Publix, no major incidents were reported. Last week, a person accidentally discharged a weapon at a Miramar Publix, and police said they had to conduct a safety sweep of the store. No one was hit or hurt, and it’s not known whether the accidental shooter was open-carrying the firearm.

The language on the website isn’t clear whether the open-carry rollback is just a request, and optional, or is a firm store rule, like the one banning dogs inside stores. The new Publix guideline didn’t mention concealed weapons.

Publix was among the only major supermarkets to allow open carry when a court ruling last October cleared the way for the change in many places, including businesses.

A memo from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s to law enforcement officers stated that open carry is “the law of the state.” That followed a First District Court of Appeal ruling that Florida’s ban on open carry was unconstitutional.

Open carry isn’t allowed in schools, police stations, hospitals, courts and athletic events not involving guns.

Companies get final say on whether customers can holster a firearm outside their clothing while shopping. And many of them, including most major markets and malls, didn’t put out the welcome mat for customers who open carry, citing existing “no guns” policies.

But Publix was an exception at the time, announcing last fall that customers could wander the aisles with firearm in holster at their waist.

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 6:53 AM.

Michael Butler

Miami Herald

Michael Butler writes about minority business and trends that affect marginalized professionals in South Florida. As a business reporter for the Miami Herald, he tells inclusive stories that reflect South Florida’s diversity. Just like Miami’s diverse population, Butler, a Temple University graduate, has both local roots and a Panamanian heritage.