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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that's aimed at deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their residence. 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 new legislation will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we've seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an electronic mail to information businesses. “This bill will present safety to these living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.