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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in front of a non-public residence in Florida can face jail time and fines beneath a invoice 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 somebody in their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring law enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor stated the new regulation will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to news agencies. “This bill will present protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.