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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that is aimed at intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of their house. 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, nonetheless.

The governor mentioned the new legislation will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we've got seen with the angry crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news businesses. “This bill will provide protection to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to signal it into law.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.