Publix, the largest grocery store chain in Florida, said it will allow customers to open carry firearms inside its hundreds of locations across the state.

The decision follows an appeals court ruling that overturned the state’s open carry ban.

“I’m issuing guidance to Florida’s prosecutors and law enforcement in light of the 1st DCA’s decision in McDaniels v. State. Because no other appellate court has considered the constitutionality of Florida’s open carry ban since the SCOTUS decision in Bruen, the 1st DCA’s decision is binding on all Florida’s trial courts,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said last month.

“Meaning that as of last week, open carry is the law of the state,” he added.

Fox Business has more:

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

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Private businesses like grocery stores, and private property owners, remain entitled to bar weapons. Additionally, certain locations such as courthouses, schools and government facilities are classified as prohibited places for carrying open or concealed firearms.

“Any person carrying a firearm who violates the private property owner’s warning to depart will be committing armed trespass, a third-degree felony,” a guidance memorandum from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to Florida law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities said.

To that end, one of Publix’s main competitors says its policy against bringing firearms inside remains unchanged.

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

Watch reactions to the announcement below:

CBS News shared additional comments:

Some shoppers say the change gives them a sense of awareness and control.

“I feel like if you’re going to carry a gun, I’d rather know that it’s on your person than be caught off guard and have it brought out without me even being aware,” customer Erica McKeon told CBS News Miami. “At least I can walk away from the person if I see a gun and I’m not comfortable.”

Others worry the sight of firearms in stores could cause anxiety.

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“As someone that has a concealed carry permit, I’m not that against open carry,” customer Dominic Carissimi said. “But in terms of other people that aren’t used to being around guns and things like that, it can cause unnecessary, like, I guess, stress and anxiety.”

McKeon added, “I support our governor and I believe that if he’s allowing this that he has our best interests in mind.”

 

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