Ban on protests in entrance of properties 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 below a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their home. 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 regulation will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we've got seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to news agencies. “This invoice will present protection to these living in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.