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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a personal 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's aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody of their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

The governor stated the brand new legislation will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e mail to information businesses. “This bill will present protection to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.