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

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

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

Protesters can solely 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 Courtroom justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news companies. “This invoice will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.