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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that's geared 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 law enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor said the brand new regulation will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an electronic mail to information businesses. “This bill will present protection to these residing in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.