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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a private residence in Florida can face jail time and fines underneath a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like now we have seen with the indignant crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an electronic mail to information companies. “This bill will provide safety to these living in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.