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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that is aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody of their house. 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 stated the new legislation will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e-mail to news companies. “This bill will present protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.