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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in entrance of a non-public 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's aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of 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 new legislation will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to information agencies. “This bill will provide protection to these living in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.