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 way that's geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their dwelling. 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, nonetheless.

The governor said the brand new legislation will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an electronic mail to information agencies. “This invoice will present safety to those living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.