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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a way that is aimed at intentionally 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, however.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've got seen with the offended crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis mentioned in an email to information companies. “This invoice will provide safety to these residing in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.