Ban on protests in entrance of properties signed by Gov. DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in front of a private residence in Florida can face jail time and fines below a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their house. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring law enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor stated the brand new regulation will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to information agencies. “This invoice will provide safety to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into regulation.”

Some Democrats opposed the bill, arguing it infringes on people’s First Modification rights to free speech.

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.