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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody 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 is aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their house. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

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

The governor stated the new law will forestall protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've got seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an e mail to news businesses. “This invoice will provide safety to these residing in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.