Ban on protests in front 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 bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that is geared toward intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody 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, nevertheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we've seen with the offended crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to information agencies. “This invoice will provide safety to those living in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.