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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's geared toward 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 law enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to information companies. “This bill will provide safety to these residing in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.