Grocery Chain Adjusts Policy to Align With State Law
Publix, Florida’s largest grocery store chain, has begun allowing the open carry of firearms across its 882 locations in the state. The policy shift follows a recent court decision declaring Florida’s open carry ban unconstitutional. The change took effect after the ruling on September 25, 2025, marking a significant moment in the ongoing national debate over Second Amendment rights and business policies.
“As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms,” a Publix spokesperson told FOX Business, noting that the company “follows all federal, state and local laws.” The decision reflects the grocery giant’s commitment to comply with new state legislation, while still adhering to local jurisdictional restrictions where applicable.
Legal Context and Private Property Rights
The Florida appeals court’s ruling struck down the state’s long-standing open carry ban, finding it unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. However, private businesses and property owners still retain the right to restrict firearms on their premises.
A guidance memorandum from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier clarified that individuals who refuse to leave a private property after being asked to disarm could face “armed trespass,” a third-degree felony. Certain locations — including schools, courthouses, and government buildings — remain off-limits for carrying firearms, whether open or concealed.
Mixed Reactions Across the Retail Sector
Publix’s decision to permit open carry distinguishes it from some of its competitors. While the chain has opted to align with the revised state law, other major retailers, including Walmart and regional grocers, have reiterated that their no-firearms policies remain unchanged. The move has reignited discussions around customer safety, corporate responsibility, and individual rights.
The new open carry allowance may also prompt logistical and legal challenges, as businesses across Florida adjust to differing interpretations of the ruling. Some local governments are expected to issue additional guidance for enforcing trespassing or signage laws related to firearm possession.
A Broader Second Amendment Landscape
The change comes as national attention turns toward several pending court cases concerning firearm regulation. The U.S. Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a challenge to Hawaii’s gun laws, highlighting a growing trend of judicial scrutiny over state-level firearm restrictions. Florida’s case, and Publix’s response, underscore the increasing complexity businesses face in balancing legal compliance with public safety.
As the debate continues, Publix’s policy represents one of the most high-profile examples of a major U.S. retailer navigating new open carry freedoms — a decision that will likely influence similar discussions across other states in the months ahead.