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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone 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 is aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their house. 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 mentioned the brand new law will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to news companies. “This invoice will provide protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.