With Florida now allowing open carry, Publix will too, some workers say

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida’s new open carry law seems to be reshaping policies at major retailers — including Publix, the state’s beloved grocery chain.

Publix, one of Florida’s largest and most recognizable grocery chains, is now allowing customers to openly carry firearms in its stores across the state, according to multiple employees. The change follows a recent court decision that overturned Florida’s ban on open carry, ruling it unconstitutional.

The new law, which took effect on Sept. 25, gives private businesses the discretion to prohibit or permit open carry on their premises. Publix, which operates more than 900 locations statewide, appears to have chosen to allow it. Employees at various stores confirmed the policy shift when contacted.

According to our news partners at the South Florida Sun Sentinel, reporters reached out to eight Publix stores in South Florida — including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Davie, Miramar, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Coral Gables, and Homestead. Each store confirmed that open carry is now permitted in response to the court ruling.

Four additional Publix stores in Central Florida also told the Orlando Sentinel that customers are allowed to openly carry firearms.

Despite repeated attempts since Sept. 29, Publix spokesperson Lindsey Willis, who represents South and Central Florida, did not respond to phone calls or emails seeking comment. Hannah Herring, who handles media inquiries for Central and North Florida, also did not reply to requests for clarification.

Sheila Alu, a former Sunrise city commissioner, contacted the Sun Sentinel after learning from her local Publix that the store was no longer banning open carry.

“I’m a supporter of the Second Amendment,” Alu said, “but open carry in a grocery store or in a mall will frighten people. (Publix) is not an establishment that I or my family will be patronizing.”

Ana Campos, a private investigator based in Fort Lauderdale, offered a contrasting view. While she acknowledged that seeing someone openly carrying a firearm might be startling, she said it could also provide a sense of security.

“That’s assuming the person is a responsible gun owner,” Campos said. “And if there’s a problem, they will be there (to respond) before the police show up.”

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Employees at several Publix locations shared similar responses when asked about the policy. Some were unsure and consulted with store managers, while others confirmed the change immediately.

“There’s a law now, so we can’t tell people they can’t bring their guns into the store,” said a customer service employee in Fort Lauderdale.

A manager in Davie added, “It’s OK as long as they are not causing a disturbance. If they are, we will contact the authorities.”

In Miramar, a manager confirmed, “Publix does follow the law and we do allow open carry. The only time we would intervene is if someone is acting outside the parameters of the law.”

Other managers in Hollywood, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Homestead, and Coral Gables echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that open carry is permitted as long as customers behave appropriately and do not cause disruptions.

In Central Florida, eight Publix stores across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake counties were contacted. Four confirmed they allow open carry, though some added conditions. A manager in Kissimmee said law enforcement would only get involved if a crime was suspected. Another in St. Cloud noted that staff are not permitted to approach customers solely based on their visible firearms.

In Lake County, responses varied. A manager in Tavares confirmed open carry is allowed, while a representative in Groveland said they were still following the previous directive that bans open carry but allows concealed carry.

Three stores in Sanford, Lake Mary, and Orlando said their policy aligns with Florida law. A manager in Ocoee added that staff would step in only if a customer complains.

Meanwhile, other major retailers are taking a different stance. Winn-Dixie, Walmart, and Sam’s Club have stated they will continue to prohibit open carry in their Florida stores.

“Our priority is creating a safe and welcoming shopping experience for all customers and associates,” said Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie. “We do not permit open carry of firearms inside our stores.”

Walmart echoed that position, saying it asks customers to refrain from openly carrying firearms unless they are authorized law enforcement officers.

The Sun Sentinel also reached out to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Target for comment. As of Wednesday, none had responded with a statement regarding their open carry policies.

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