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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a personal residence in Florida can face jail time and fines under 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 intentionally 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 law enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor stated the brand new regulation will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we have now seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an email to news agencies. “This invoice will provide protection 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 Modification rights to free speech.

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.