Can you carry a gun into Brevard Publix stores? It appears that yes you can

Next time you’re at Publix, there’s a chance you’ll see a fellow customer openly carrying a firearm.

The change comes after a state appeals court ruled that Florida’s ban on openly carrying guns was unconstitutional. This only applies to people who are legally allowed to own a firearm. This does not affect other restrictions in Florida’s gun laws, such as restrictions on people under 21, convicted felons, “violent career criminals” or people with restraining authority. warrant for acts of domestic violence.

Attorney General James Uthmeier said: State and federal restrictions on carrying firearms It will still be valid in certain locations, such as schools and government buildings. Private businesses are allowed to set their own policies regarding firearms on their property.

Publix Super Markets has not publicly said it will allow customers to openly carry firearms in its stores, but a statement from the company hinted that it would be allowed.

“Treating customers with dignity and respect is a core belief of Publix,” a Publix spokesperson told FLORIDA TODAY. “If a customer creates a threatening, disorderly or dangerous shopping experience (whether or not they are openly carrying a firearm), we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and employees.”

Are guns allowed in other grocery stores like Aldi, Walmart, Win-Dixie?

• took: “We ask our customers to refrain from openly displaying firearms in any of our stores, except to authorized law enforcement personnel,” the company said. They allow concealed carry.

• BJ’s Wholesale Club: Its main website does not have an explicit firearms policy but does state 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 the possession of all firearms in its warehouses.

• Sam’s Club: Sam’s Club does not allow the open carry of firearms and prohibits the possession of all firearms in its warehouses.

• Sprouts: Sprouts Farmers Market prohibits all firearms and dangerous weapons on its premises and posts signs at store entrances stating this policy.

• Aim: Target has requested that firearms not be brought into its stores since July 2014. “We respectfully request that our guests do not bring firearms to Target, even in communities where it is permitted by law,” the company said in a statement.

• Trader Joe’s: Officials said in 2019 that they comply with local laws but “do not welcome and have never accepted weapons of any kind in our stores.”

• Walmart: Walmart does not allow open carry of guns in any of its stores, but does allow concealed carry in accordance with state law. If a customer is seen openly carrying a firearm in a Walmart store, 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 partners,” a spokesperson for parent company Southeastern Grocers told the Orlando Sentinel. “As a privately held business, our policy remains unchanged: We do not allow the open carry of firearms in our stores. We respectfully ask that our customers secure firearms safely before entering the store and appreciate their continued cooperation in helping 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 will get another Publix later this month. The Palm Bay store, located at 150 Saint Johns Heritage Pkwy NW, will open Oct. 30.

Spitzer is a Trend Reporter. He can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.

CA Bridges and Samantha Neely of the USA Today Network contributed to this report.

This article first appeared on Florida Today: Want to carry your gun at Publix? Apparently you can