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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that is geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of 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, nonetheless.

The governor said the new regulation will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like now we have seen with the offended crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to news companies. “This invoice will present safety to these living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.