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

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

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

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news businesses. “This bill will provide protection to these dwelling 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.