Ban on protests in front of properties 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 laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that is geared toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring law enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor said the brand new legislation will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to news agencies. “This bill will present safety to those living in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.