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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's aimed at intentionally 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, however.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've got seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to news agencies. “This bill will present safety to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.