Ban on protests in entrance 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 beneath a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their house. 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, nevertheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news businesses. “This invoice will provide protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.