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

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

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

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to news companies. “This invoice will present protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.