Now that open carry of handguns is the law of the land in Florida, Publix is making an important announcement.

The grocery chain is confirming its policies will be in compliance with the law. This means customers will be able to openly carry firearms in stores.

Breitbart News pointed to a September 10, 2025, First District Court of Appeals decision. A three-judge panel ruled the constitution protects the right to carry a gun openly for self-defense.

On September 15, 2025, Breitbart News noted that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier made an important statement. He pointed to the First District Court of Appeals ruling. He made clear open carry was the law of the state.

It took effect on September 25, 2025.

Publix is now making clear their policies will align with the new law.

BayNews9 published a statement from Publix about the policy change.

“As of Sept. 25, 2025, Florida law allows the open carry of firearms. Publix follows all federal, state and local laws. 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.”

The First District Court of Appeals decision was a major victory for Second Amendment rights. The three-judge panel recognized that the constitution protects open carry. This right exists for self-defense purposes.

Florida Attorney General Uthmeier quickly confirmed the ruling made open carry legal statewide. He emphasized this was now the law of the state. The law took effect just days after his announcement.

Publix’s decision to comply with the law shows respect for constitutional rights. The grocery chain could have tried to ban guns in their stores. Many businesses in other states have attempted to do this.

But Publix chose to follow Florida law. They will allow customers to exercise their Second Amendment rights while shopping.

The company’s statement emphasizes treating customers with dignity and respect. This is a founding belief at Publix. They recognize that law-abiding gun owners deserve to be treated well.

Publix also made clear they have safety protocols in place. If any customer creates a threatening or dangerous situation, they will call law enforcement. This applies whether the customer is carrying a gun or not.

This balanced approach respects both gun rights and public safety. Law-abiding citizens can carry openly. But anyone who acts dangerously will face consequences.

Gun control advocates are furious about Florida’s open carry law. They claimed allowing open carry would lead to chaos and violence. They predicted shootouts in grocery stores and parking lots.

None of these predictions have come true. Florida remains safe. Law-abiding gun owners are simply exercising their constitutional rights.

Publix’s decision will likely influence other businesses in Florida. The state’s largest grocery chain has set an example. They are following the law and respecting gun rights.

Other retailers may follow Publix’s lead. This could make Florida one of the most gun-friendly states in America.

The open carry ruling represents a major shift in Florida law. For years, Florida allowed concealed carry but not open carry. This created an odd situation where citizens had to hide their guns.

The First District Court of Appeals recognized this made no constitutional sense. The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms. It doesn’t require citizens to hide their guns.

Attorney General Uthmeier deserves credit for quickly implementing the ruling. He could have delayed or tried to limit the decision. Instead, he confirmed it was the law statewide.

Publix deserves credit for respecting the law and gun rights. The company could have banned guns despite the law. Some businesses do this using their private property rights.

But Publix chose to welcome armed customers. They trust law-abiding citizens to carry responsibly. This trust is well-placed.

Legal gun owners are among the most law-abiding people in America. They pass background checks and follow the rules. They take gun safety seriously.

Florida’s open carry law gives these responsible citizens more freedom. They no longer have to worry about accidental exposure of their concealed weapons. They can carry openly without fear of prosecution.

This is how the Second Amendment is supposed to work. Law-abiding citizens have the right to keep and bear arms. The government cannot infringe on this right.

Florida has taken a major step toward restoring Second Amendment rights. Publix has taken a major step toward respecting those rights. Other states and businesses should follow their example.