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 fashion that's aimed at 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 mentioned the new law will prevent 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 got seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to information agencies. “This bill will present protection to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.