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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that is geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring law 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 Courtroom justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news businesses. “This bill will present safety to those living in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.