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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a personal residence in Florida can face jail time and fines below a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor stated the new regulation will forestall 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 non-public residences, like we've seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to information businesses. “This bill will provide protection to these living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.