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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody who protests in front of a private 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 fashion that's geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody of their residence. 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, nevertheless.

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

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

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.