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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring legislation 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 private residences, like we have now seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an electronic mail to information agencies. “This bill will present protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.