MIAMI (WSVN) - Publix supermarkets have quietly reversed their policy of allowing customers to openly carry firearms 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.”
There have been mixed reactions from shoppers. Those at the Publix at 601 South Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale reacted to the change in policy, Wednesday night.
“I’m not quite sure where I stand on that. It would scare me a little bit to see somebody to have a firearm if it was exposed at all,” said a female customer.
Some customers, like Vince and Chloe, questioned the reversal.
“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.
Meanwhile, another customer believes there’s no problem with open carry.
“You should be able to carry if you want to be able to carry. I like to conceal carry personally, but if someone wants to open carry, I don’t see the problem, and it’s South Florida, ” said a male customer.
But others aren’t on board.
“It shouldn’t, it shouldn’t be allowed, because there’s so many altercations, and you never know what could arise, you know, in any confrontation,” said Luis G.
“I agree with Publix, because you just don’t know who to believe and who to trust, and I’d rather be in the official hands of the cops,” said Michael Peters.
The supermarket chain’s change of policy is also reflected on its website, under their frequently asked questions section.
In September 2025, an appeals court overturned the state’s ban on openly carrying firearms, deeming it unconstitutional.
The law grants businesses or owners of private property 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 explicitly address concealed carry, nor has the grocer issued any formal announcement on that issue.
As of late Thursday afternoon, a representative from Publix has not responded to 7News’ request for more information about why this decision was made.
Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.