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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anybody 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 legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody in their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news companies. “This bill will present protection to these living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.