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

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

The laws makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a manner that is aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone 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 said the new law will prevent protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Courtroom justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we've seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e-mail to information agencies. “This bill will present protection to these residing in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The regulation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.