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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that's geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their residence. 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, nevertheless.

The governor said the new legislation will stop protests in Florida like these 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 have now seen with the angry crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news companies. “This bill will provide protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.