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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance 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 way that's aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor said the new legislation will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to information companies. “This bill will provide protection to those residing in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.