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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that's aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing someone of their dwelling. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring law enforcement’s orders to disperse, however.

The governor stated the new regulation will stop protests in Florida like those waged by abortion rights protesters in entrance of U.S. Supreme Court docket justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the houses of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to information agencies. “This bill will provide protection to these living in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.