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

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

The legislation makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to protest in a fashion that is aimed toward intentionally harassing or disturbing somebody of their residence. 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, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have now seen with the angry crowds in entrance of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an e mail to news agencies. “This bill will present safety to these dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into legislation.”

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

The law is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.