Ban on protests in front of houses 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 under a bill Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday.

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

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

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

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we now have seen with the angry crowds in front of the houses of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis stated in an email to news businesses. “This invoice will provide protection to those dwelling in residential communities and I'm glad to sign it into regulation.”

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

The legislation is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1.