Ban on protests in entrance of homes 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 invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor mentioned the new regulation will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news companies. “This invoice will provide protection to those residing in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.