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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is geared toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to information businesses. “This bill will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.