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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's geared toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of their residence. 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 stated the new law will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e-mail to information companies. “This invoice will present protection to those living in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.