Ban on protests in entrance of houses signed by Gov. DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a personal 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's aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their dwelling. 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, however.

The governor said the brand new law will forestall protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an e mail to news businesses. “This invoice will present safety to these living in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.