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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

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 Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we've seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news agencies. “This invoice will present safety to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.