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 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 at intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody of their house. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

The governor said the new law will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e mail to information companies. “This bill will provide protection to those residing in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.