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 beneath a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

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

The governor stated the new legislation will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to information businesses. “This invoice will provide protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.