Publix betrays Florida’s gun owners by quietly banning open carry after six incident-free months, bowing to pressure despite state law affirming Second Amendment rights.
Florida Court Victory Enables Open Carry
In October 2025, Florida’s First District Court of Appeal ruled the state’s open-carry ban unconstitutional under the state constitution. This decision aligned with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen ruling. Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a memo affirming open carry as the law of the state, except in restricted areas like schools. Publix initially embraced this in fall 2025, unlike competitors such as Walmart and Target. Florida’s permitless carry law since 2023 and 40% household gun ownership underscored the pro-2A culture.
Six Months Without Incident, Then Sudden Reversal
From November 2025 to May 2026, Publix permitted customer open carry across its 1,400 Florida stores, serving 1.5 million daily shoppers. No major incidents occurred during this period. Late April saw an accidental firearm discharge at a Miramar store with no injuries; the carry status remains unknown. On May 6, 2026, Publix posted signs and updated its website stating it “kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms.” The chain provided no explanation or spokesperson comment.
Ambiguous Policy Sparks Conservative Concerns
Publix’s phrasing avoids a hard ban, but private property rights allow enforcement. This rollback prioritizes perceived safety over constitutional carry, frustrating gun owners who valued the chain’s outlier stance. Gun rights groups like the NRA and Florida Carry may push back via boycotts. CEO Kevin Murphy’s employee-owned company cites customer safety, yet ignores six safe months. Concealed carry remains allowed, per past policy.
Publix supermarkets in Florida make controversial decision on guns https://t.co/K9gPyzpb0U pic.twitter.com/C9nz9JRWx0
— NY Post Business (@nypostbiz) May 12, 2026
Stakeholders React Amid Broader Impacts
Florida AG Uthmeier’s pro-2A memo deferred to businesses, reinforcing their veto power. Retail analyst Howard Penney notes Publix targets suburban families over gun enthusiasts. NRA’s Marion Hammer called it disappointing but legal—advise shopping elsewhere. Gun control groups praise the move. Short-term confusion looms for customers; long-term, it sets precedent for opt-outs, fueling debates in polarized Florida ahead of elections. Publix’s $55 billion revenue shields it from boycotts.
Sources:
Miami Herald, May 8, 2026: Publix changes open-carry firearms policy in its Florida grocery stores
