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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody in their house. 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, nevertheless.

The governor said the brand new regulation will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the offended crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated 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 law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.