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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Anyone 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 manner that is geared toward intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody of their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor said the new law will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ properties in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we now have seen with the offended crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to news companies. “This bill will present safety to these living in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.