Ban on protests in front of properties 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 underneath a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that is aimed toward deliberately harassing or disturbing someone of their home. Violators face 60 days in jail and fines of as much as $500.

Protesters can only be arrested after ignoring law enforcement’s orders to disperse, nevertheless.

The governor said the new regulation will stop protests in Florida like these waged by abortion rights protesters in front of U.S. Supreme Court justices’ houses in Virginia.

“Sending unruly mobs to non-public residences, like we've got seen with the offended crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Courtroom justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to information companies. “This bill will present protection to those living in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.