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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

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

The governor said the new legislation will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we've got seen with the offended crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e mail to news agencies. “This bill will provide protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.