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Publix supermarkets appear to be changing their stance on allowing customers to open carry within their stores.
New signage appearing at several Publix locations across Miami-Dade and Broward counties shows the company only wants law enforcement to be allowed to openly carry weapons within their stores.
The signage reads: “Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores.”
Shoppers at the Publix at 601 South Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale reacted to the change in policy, Wednesday night.
“I believe that everybody should be able to open carry, ’cause it’s like, what’s the point of staying in Florida if you can’t open carry?” said Vince.
“People should be able to protect themselves when you go in the store, but how are they going to regulate that?” said Chloe.
The change of policy is also reflected on Publix’s website, under their frequently asked questions section.
In September 2025, an appeals court overruled the state’s ban on open carry, calling the ban unconstitutional.
The law allowed for businesses or owners of private property to have the option to allow open carry within their premises.
Back in October, Publix confirmed that they would allow for open carry within all of their stores following that court’s ruling. However, the new signage appearing at several stores across South Florida shows that policy has now changed.
The signage does not address concealed carry.
