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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that's aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their residence. 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, nevertheless.

The governor said the brand new regulation will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an electronic mail to information companies. “This invoice will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.