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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a personal residence in Florida can face jail time and fines under a bill 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 in their house. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring law 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’ homes in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to news agencies. “This bill will present protection to those residing in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.