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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that's aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing someone in their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the indignant crowds in entrance of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to news companies. “This bill will present protection to those living in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.