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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in front of a personal 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's aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their residence. 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 legislation will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ houses in Virginia.

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

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.