Publix has quietly rewritten the rules on guns in its stores across Florida — and in doing so, entered one of America’s most politically charged debates.

New signs appearing at branches of the supermarket giant state: “Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores.”

The wording is polite. The message is not.

For months, Florida’s expanded gun laws had prompted fierce arguments over whether supermarkets, restaurants and shopping centres would permit customers to openly carry firearms following changes to state legislation.

Publix had previously indicated it would comply with Florida law, a stance interpreted by many gun rights supporters as a green light for lawful open carry inside stores.

Now, without fanfare or a major corporate announcement, the company appears to have shifted position.

The move is likely to anger some Second Amendment activists, particularly in a state where gun rights remain politically powerful and fiercely defended by Republican lawmakers.

But it will also reassure many customers and employees uneasy at the prospect of firearms being visibly carried through grocery aisles.

Importantly, the language stops short of an outright ban. Publix is “asking” customers not to openly carry firearms rather than explicitly prohibiting them.

That distinction may prove significant in a state where businesses must tread carefully between legal rights, political pressure and public safety concerns.

The policy appears focused solely on open carry. Florida’s concealed carry laws remain separate and unaffected.

For Publix, a company deeply woven into Florida life and culture, even a carefully worded sign now risks placing the supermarket chain directly in the middle of America’s continuing battle over guns.