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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a private residence in Florida can face jail time and fines beneath a invoice 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 legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

The governor said the brand new regulation will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have now seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e-mail to news agencies. “This invoice will provide protection to these dwelling in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.