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

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

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

Protesters can solely be arrested after ignoring legislation enforcement’s orders to disperse, nonetheless.

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

“Sending unruly mobs to personal residences, like we have now seen with the angry crowds in front of the properties of Supreme Court docket justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an electronic mail to information agencies. “This bill will provide safety to those residing in residential communities and I'm glad to signal it into law.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take impact Oct. 1.