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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that's aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing somebody in their residence. 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 new regulation will prevent protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to information businesses. “This invoice will provide protection to those residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.