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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in front of a non-public residence in Florida can face jail time and fines under a invoice Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

The governor stated the new regulation will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to news businesses. “This invoice will provide protection to these 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.