Ban on protests in entrance of homes signed by Gov. DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a private 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's geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody of their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

The governor said the brand new law will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to news companies. “This invoice will provide safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.