Which Florida grocery stores allow open carry?
Asked by: Prof. Zaria Haag MD | Last update: March 23, 2026Score: 5/5 (32 votes)
In Florida, Publix is the primary major grocery chain that allows open carry of firearms following a 2025 court ruling, while other chains like Winn-Dixie, Aldi, Walmart, Target, Sam's Club, and Costco prohibit it, though store managers at Publix can still address disruptive behavior. This policy shift in Publix came after a state appeals court found Florida's previous open-carry ban unconstitutional, making open carry legal for those with permits, but individual businesses retain the right to set their own rules.
What grocery stores in Florida will allow open carry?
"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.
Is Publix open carry in Florida?
Publix: While Publix has not explicitly said it would allow customers to openly carry, it indicated it will follow state law and said in a statement it would involve law enforcement if a customer creates a threatening situation, whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not.
Does Walmart allow open carry in Florida?
Walmart. Walmart does not allow open carry of weapons in any of its stores, but they do allow the 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 the store management to decide what to do.
Can I open carry in Aldi?
At ALDI, the safety of our employees, customers and the community is our highest priority. Alongside many other businesses, we are asking that our customers refrain from openly displaying firearms in any of our stores, except for authorized law enforcement personnel.
Publix alludes to allowing open carry in its Florida stores
Does Home Depot in Florida allow open carry?
Home Depot said that it will act in accordance with federal and state regulations. “We follow all federal and state regulations everywhere we operate,” the home improvement store said. “We allow customers to conceal carry and open carry where permissible by local laws.”
Does Target have a no gun policy?
Target: Since July 2014, the Minneapolis- headquartered retailer has requested that firearms not be brought into its stores. “We … respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law,” the company said in a statement.
What stores have a no gun policy?
Many major retailers like Costco, CVS, Walgreens, Trader Joe's, Target, and Walmart request that customers do not bring firearms, especially open carry, to create a safer environment, while stores like Whole Foods have stricter bans, though policies vary by location and law. While some stores prohibit all firearms, many focus on banning open carry, allowing concealed carry if permitted by state law, with exceptions for law enforcement.
Why is there no open carry in Florida?
Pursuant to the appellate court's ruling and guidance from Florida's attorney general, effective September 25, 2025, open carry is permitted (with important exceptions and restrictions) in Florida. Retailers in Florida may still prohibit open carry on their premises.
Where can I not conceal carry in Florida?
In Florida, you cannot conceal carry in locations like police stations, courthouses, polling places, jails, schools/universities (with exceptions), airports (sterile areas), government meetings, and bars/alcohol-focused establishments, plus any place prohibited by federal law or posted with signs. Violations, even with permitless carry, can lead to arrest, as restrictions on these sensitive locations remain in place, according to Florida Statutes and this video.
Can I pocket carry in Florida?
www.jaxsheriff.org - JaxSheriff.org. Starting July 1, 2023, new legislation takes effect in the state of Florida which authorizes a person to carry a concealed weapon or firearm pursuant to a valid concealed weapons license or without a concealed weapons license provided that the criteria for obtaining a license is met ...
Does open carry mean you can walk around with firearms?
“Openly carry” means the weapon is visible and not loaded; if it is loaded, a different law, Penal Code § 25850, controls and elevates the stakes. Merely having ammunition on your person while openly carrying an unloaded handgun can trigger an additional sentence enhancement (see § 25850(c)).
Can you open carry in Costco?
“Costco policy prohibits firearms to be brought into the warehouse, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers.”
Is the open carry ban overturned in Florida?
25, Florida's First District Court of Appeal three judge panel ruled that the state statute banning open carry was unconstitutional. This decision now makes open carry legal in Florida. Judge Stephanie Ray, writing for the panel, stated that “the Constitution protects the right to carry arms openly for self-defense.
Can I open carry in Publix?
Publix has confirmed that customers are now permitted to openly carry firearms inside its stores across the state. “Treating Publix customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix, and we follow federal, state and local laws."
Can I open carry at restaurants in Florida?
Restaurants. As long as the primary function of the restaurant is food service, you can lawfully possess your firearm in a Florida restaurant, unless they state otherwise. However, open and concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
Can gas station employees carry guns?
In many states, yes this is legal. Many corporate owned gas stations (like Quick Trip) prohibit their employees from being armed. Their policy is to just comply with a robber and let the police handle it after the robbery.
Can I open carry in my car in FL?
No Open Carry: Florida does not allow the open carry of firearms in public, including in vehicles, except under certain circumstances. Exceptions: You may carry a firearm openly when engaging in lawful activities such as hunting, target shooting, or fishing, and when traveling to or from those activities.
Can I carry my gun at Walmart?
No, Walmart requests that customers not openly carry firearms in its stores, even in states where open carry is legal, except for authorized law enforcement. While concealed carry is generally permitted if allowed by state and local laws, the company's policy is to prevent visible firearms to create a safer environment, so you should always check local signage or ask management.
Can I open carry in Kroger?
In its statement, Kroger said it would be “respectfully asking” that customers no longer openly carry guns in its stores, except for authorized law enforcement officers.
Does Home Depot allow open carry?
“The Home Depot allows concealed carry and open carry where permissible by local laws,” a Home Depot spokesperson said. Representatives from McDonald's, Kohl's, Lowe's, and and Best Buy have not responded to a request for information. Copyright 2026 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Can I carry a gun in Sam's Club?
Motivated by our desire to create a safe environment in our stores and clubs, we request that customers no longer openly carry firearms into Walmart or Sam's Club locations in states where open carry is permitted – unless they are authorized law enforcement.
What is the 15 minute rule at Target?
Target's "15-Minute Rule" is an unofficial but enforced policy ensuring high-demand items (like Stanley cups or popular toys) stay on the sales floor for at least 15 minutes after being stocked before employees can buy them, preventing workers from immediately grabbing popular merchandise, with violations leading to disciplinary action or firings. It's designed to give regular customers a fair chance to purchase these hot items, not just employees.
Can you open carry in Lowes?
Lowes Bans Open Carry in their store . as long as customer has his conceal carry permit his fine.