Ban on protests in front of homes 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 invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their house. 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, however.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we now have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to news agencies. “This invoice will present safety 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 Amendment rights to free speech.

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.