Ban on protests in front of homes signed by Gov. DeSantis

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor mentioned the brand new regulation will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have now seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to information businesses. “This bill will provide protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.