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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a non-public residence in Florida can face jail time and fines below 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 intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of their residence. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

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

The governor stated the brand new legislation will forestall 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 non-public residences, like now we have seen with the offended crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to information companies. “This invoice will present safety to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into legislation.”

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.