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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone who protests in entrance of a personal 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 manner that's aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone in their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring regulation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like now we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e mail to news businesses. “This bill will present safety to those dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.