There’s a chance that the next time you’re at Publix you might see another customer openly carrying a firearm.
The change comes after a state appeals court ruled that Florida’s ban on openly carrying weapons is unconstitutional. It only applies to people who are legally allowed to possess a firearm. It does not affect other restrictions in Florida gun laws, such as restrictions for people under 21, convicted felons, “violent career criminals,” or people who have restraining orders from committing acts of domestic violence.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said state and federal restrictions on carrying firearms in specific locations, such as schools and government buildings, would still apply. Private businesses can set their own policies regarding firearms on their properties.
Publix Super Markets has not explicitly said it would allow customers to openly carry firearms in its stores, but a company statement implied it would.
“Treating customers with dignity and respect is a core belief at Publix,” a Publix spokesperson told FLORIDA TODAY. “In any case where a customer creates a threatening, erratic or dangerous shopping experience, whether openly carrying a firearm or not, we will turn to local authorities to protect our customers and associates.”
Are guns allowed in other grocery stores like Aldi, Walmart, Win-Dixie?
-
aldi: “We ask our customers to refrain from openly displaying firearms in any of our stores, except to authorized law enforcement personnel,” the company has said. They do authorize concealed carry.
-
BJ’s Wholesale Club: It does not have a clear firearms policy on its main website, but notes that it reserves the right to deny entry to anyone at any time.
-
costco: Costco does not allow open or concealed carry of firearms and prohibits all firearms in its warehouses.
-
Sam’s Club: Sam’s Club does not allow open carry of firearms and prohibits all firearms in its stores.
-
Sprouts: Sprouts Farmers Market prohibits all firearms and dangerous weapons on its premises and posts signs at store entrances to indicate this policy.
-
Aim: Since July 2014, Target has requested that firearms not be brought into its stores. “We…respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target, even in communities where the law allows it,” the company said in a statement.
-
Trader Joe’s: Officials said in 2019 that they follow local laws, but “they do not accept weapons of any kind in our stores and never have.”
-
Walmart: Walmart does not allow open carry of weapons in any of its stores, but does allow concealed carry of weapons in accordance with state laws. If a customer is observed openly carrying a firearm at a Walmart location, it is up to the discretion of store management to decide what to do.
-
Whole foods: Whole Foods has a long-standing policy prohibiting firearms in its stores, regardless of local laws.
-
Winn-Dixie: “Our priority is to create a safe and welcoming shopping experience for all customers and associates,” a spokesperson for parent company Southeastern Grocers told the Orlando Sentinel. “As a private company, our policy remains unchanged: we do not allow the open carry of firearms inside our stores. We respectfully ask customers to secure their firearms safely before entering, and we appreciate the continued cooperation that helps us maintain an environment where everyone feels comfortable.”
How many Publix locations are there in Brevard County?
There are 26 Publix stores in Brevard County.
Space Coast is getting another Publix later this month. A Palm Bay store, located at 150 Saint Johns Heritage Pkwy NW, will open on October 30.
Spitzer is a trends reporter. You can reach her at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com
USA Today Network’s CA Bridges and Samantha Neely contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Want to Carry Your Gun at Publix? it seems that you can