Posted on 10/09/2025 11:13:53 AM PDT by MtnClimber
What we know: Publix will allow open carry of guns inside Florida stores, according to officials.
Publix's decision comes after a court ruling struck down the state's long-standing ban on open carry.
A spokesperson with Publix says they follow all federal, state and local laws.
In a statement to FOX 35, Publix leaders said, "Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix. In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience — whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not — we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates."
What do other retailers say about open carry?
Dig deeper: Several other major retailers, including Walmart and Sam's Club, are prohibiting open carry. Walmart posted on its website, asking for customers to refrain from openly carrying guns unless they are authorized law enforcement officials.
SNIP
The ruling does not extend to certain prohibited places, including courthouses, schools, polling sites and government facilities. Private businesses and property owners also retain the right to ban firearms on their premises. See a list of all prohibited locations and requirements here.
You must still meet eligibility requirements to carry a firearm, such as being 21 years of age or older and not being prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction.
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I was at Publix today and did not see anyone open carrying. I was pocket carrying a compact 10mm and I have never seen anyone notice when I concealed carry.
The radio news people are hyperventilating over it.
Unless you ride a motorcycle, are a licensed PI, or a LEO, I personally don’t see the NEED to do it. HEre in GA, since I have a weapons carry license, I can legally open carry for sure. But I never do, unless I am hunting.
Hi Blueflag -
As a licensed carrier in Oklahoma, Nevada, Utah, and Florida, all of which permit open carry, I am sure you have heard the expression that it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. We live in a culturally, constantly changing world in our local neighborhoods. I have. A friend that believes that if one is licensed to carry and chooses not to do so, he/she is letting society down.
Gwjack
My experience has been the same. I carry everywhere.
Open carry = the first one shot.
My thought is open carry only in a retention holster. Otherwise the BG snatches your gun from behind and then he has two guns.
And, let me guess ... people are going ape over this decision. Nevermind that other states have allowed this for decades.
I have not heard anything about it except from the local radio stations that have it in every news update. Even though they carry conservative shows.
Walmart posted on its website, asking for customers to refrain from openly carrying guns unless they are authorized law enforcement officials.
If Publix allows people to bring in firearms, where are the mass shooters going to go? Oh yeah, Walmart.
And, let me guess ... people are going ape over this decision. Nevermind that other states have allowed this for decades.
https://www.ammoland.com/2025/09/gun-rights-update-90-of-states-now-have-open-carry/
I’ve open carried in Publix in Baldwin County Alabama... no problems at all. Can’t do that up north Alabama because everything is posted and I don’t need the hassle.
Im in the Birmingham area. I’ve seen OC in Publix, other than a few Karen types giving the stink eye, no one cares. I still see OC at Wally world, not as much as I used to but its still there, and I frequent ones in N. Shelby County, the one in Bessemer, and one on Lakeshore in Homewood(Birmingham)—and thats one that has shootings on occasion.
I wonder if Walmart or Costco realize how many people have been concealed carrying for years? I have never been concerned about open carry people, I am just curious about what they are carrying. I have concealed carried a 1911 6-inch long slide before with a cover jacket. That was when BLM and Antifa were going wild in the Boulder-Denver area.
Local radio is now saying that Walmart, Costco and Winn Dixie will ask open carriers to leave and if they don't they will be charged with trespass.
The media did the same thing in Colorado. I noticed probably 10 people in total out and about open carrying, usually a side holster. No one ever said a thing.
I lived in Colorado from 1998 until 2021. I only saw two open carriers outside of gun stores or gun shows. I watched other people and no one seemed to notice.
I conceal carry; not to worry. In battery.
exactly. I always carry and I love Costco. Do the math ;-)
I do salute that sign every time though. ;-)
If they don’t ask you to leave then you are good. They certainly are not going to give you a security detail from their front door to your front door.
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