Your next grocery trip could feel very different—here’s what one of the state’s biggest chains just confirmed

Walking through your local Publix might feel different these days. For nearly four decades, Florida shoppers could count on one thing: firearms stayed concealed or stayed home. That changed when the state's grocery aisles became part of a much larger conversation about gun rights and public safety.

Florida began allowing open carry on September 25, 2025, after an appeals court overturned the state's ban on openly carrying firearms, ending a policy that had been in place since 1987. Now, as you navigate between the produce section and pharmacy, you might encounter fellow shoppers with visible firearms on their hips.

How Publix responded to the law change

Publix, with its 882 stores across Florida, made the decision to allow open carry in compliance with the new state law. "As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state and local laws," the company stated.

But the implementation hasn't been uniform. Reporters contacted eight Publix stores in South Florida, and all eight confirmed they are allowing open carry due to the recent ruling. However, some stores are taking a more cautious approach than others.

"If a customer openly carries into the store, don't take action unless you have concerns about the behavior of the person," read an internal email shared by one Coral Gables store employee. This guidance reflects the company's attempt to balance legal compliance with customer comfort.

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The grocery store divide

While Publix embraces the change, other major grocery chains are taking different paths. Winn-Dixie has stated it will continue to prohibit open carry in its Florida stores, with parent company Southeastern Grocers explaining their priority is "creating a safe and welcoming shopping experience for all customers."

Costco's policy remains no guns at all, with their website stating: "At Costco, we don't believe it's necessary to bring firearms into our warehouses, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers."

What seniors are saying about the change

The reaction from older shoppers has been mixed, with many expressing concerns about safety and comfort during routine errands.

"I have grandchildren. I would be alarmed if they saw people with a gun in the grocery store," said Irene Murphy, whose husband, David, a retired fire paramedic, shares her concerns about seeing weapons in grocery stores.

However, not all older residents oppose the change. "I think if people can use their firearms responsibly, carry them responsibly, I don't have a big problem with open carry," said David Bostrom from Lakeland, who sees it as a potential deterrent to troublemakers.

Understanding the bigger picture for older Americans

This policy shift affects a significant population: more than 17 million Americans aged 65 or older own a firearm. For many seniors, questions about personal safety become more pressing as physical strength may decline with age.

Gun ownership can be particularly attractive to people "concerned about their personal safety in the face of decreasing physical strength," according to medical research on elderly gun ownership patterns.

Also read: How a simple grocery "rain check" can save you big—long after the sale ends

What law enforcement wants you to know

Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon emphasizes that the new law doesn't mean anything goes. "Law enforcement buildings, government buildings, schools, private property and businesses have the right to refuse your entry. So, if a business asks you to leave because you open carry, they have that right."

The sheriff's office is briefing deputies on proper enforcement, acknowledging this represents "a different climate" for law enforcement. Training focuses on distinguishing between legal open carry and threatening behavior.

Safety considerations for your shopping routine

If you're uncomfortable with the possibility of encountering openly carried firearms during your grocery runs, you have options:

• Shop at stores that prohibit open carry: Winn-Dixie, Costco, and others maintain firearm restrictions
• Choose your timing: Some experts suggest that responsible gun owners may be less likely to open carry during busy weekend shopping periods
• Know your rights: If you see behavior that seems threatening or inappropriate, store management can contact law enforcement regardless of legal carry status

Also read: From budget-friendly to pricey: Where grocery bills are highest and lowest in the US

Looking ahead

Florida's retail industry employs approximately 4 million people across 387,600 establishments, contributing about $357.4 billion to the state's economy, making this policy change significant for businesses statewide.

The long-term effects of this change will likely unfold over months as both businesses and customers adapt to the new reality. For now, Florida shoppers are navigating a transformed retail landscape where a routine grocery run might look quite different from what it did just a few weeks ago.

The key for all shoppers—whether they support gun rights or have concerns about public safety—is staying informed about individual store policies and understanding their rights as customers.

Read next:

• These 5 states still offer senior discounts at Publix—see if yours made the list
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Key Takeaways

• Publix, Florida’s largest grocery chain, now allows open carry of firearms inside its stores starting September 25, 2025, following new state legislation overturning a 40-year ban.
• The company emphasized it will comply with all laws while prioritizing customer and employee safety.
• Major competitors including Walmart, Costco, Aldi, Target, and Winn-Dixie maintain stricter firearm policies, discouraging or prohibiting open carry.
• Open carry remains prohibited in schools and government facilities, and businesses can still deny entry or request customers to leave if they carry a firearm visibly.

What are your thoughts on these changes to Florida's grocery shopping experience? Have you noticed any differences during your routine shopping trips, and how do you feel about the varying policies between different store chains? Share your perspective in the comments below.