Why Publix Decided to End Open Carry. From My Perspective. Let's Take a LOOK
Why Publix Decided to End Open Carry From My Perspective
Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms
10/15/2026
When Publix first allowed open carry in their stores, I understood exactly why they did it: a Florida appeals court struck down the state’s ban on open carry, and Publix publicly stated they were simply complying with “all federal, state and local laws.”
But just months later, Publix reversed course. New signs went up across Florida stores saying:
“Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores.”
As someone who carries daily, trains regularly, and takes personal protection seriously, I paid attention to why they made that change — and the reasons are pretty clear once you look at the reporting.
The Real Reason Publix Backed Away From Open Carry
Publix didn’t give an official explanation, but experts and policy analysts pointed to several factors:
Confusion during emergencies: A state policy attorney from the Giffords Law Center explained that when multiple people have guns out or visible during a crisis, law enforcement can’t immediately identify the threat. That confusion can cost lives.
Public safety concerns: Open carry allows teenagers and others with minimal background checks to openly carry firearms in communal places like grocery stores. That creates fear and tension among customers.
Customer comfort and business pressure: Publix’s initial open‑carry compliance drew criticism from gun‑control advocates, and unlike Publix, other major chains like Walmart and Costco did not follow suit. Publix was standing alone in a spotlight they didn’t want.
Deterrence without confrontation: The new signs are intentionally soft — “kindly asks” and “prefers.” According to legal experts, Publix is using polite language as a deterrent so they don’t have to confront customers directly.
In short, Publix didn’t ban open carry because of the law — they banned it because of liability, customer perception, and the chaos that open carry can create during emergencies.
My Take as a Firearms Instructor and Security Professional
From my perspective, Publix made this decision for one reason: they don’t want the responsibility that comes with visible firearms in a crowded store.
They don’t want customers panicking.
They don’t want managers dealing with complaints.
They don’t want law enforcement walking into a chaotic scene where multiple people have guns out.
They don’t want to be the grocery chain associated with a high‑profile incident.
And instead of owning that decision outright, they softened it with polite wording — “kindly asks” — because they know Florida gun owners pay attention.
As someone who carries responsibly, trains regularly, and understands the difference between preparedness and posturing, I get why Publix did it. But I also know this:
A sign doesn’t make a store safer. Training does. Awareness does. Responsible carry does.
Publix chose comfort optics over capability. That’s their right as a private business. And it’s my right to decide where I shop based on whether a store respects my ability to protect myself.