TALLAHASSEE, Florida (AP) – Anyone protesting in front of a private residence in Florida could face jail time and fines under a bill signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday.
The law makes it a second-degree crime to protest in a way that intentionally harasses or disturbs someone in their home. Violators face up to 60 days in prison and fines of up to $ 500.
However, protesters can only be arrested after disregarding law enforcement orders to disperse.
The governor said the new law would prevent protests in Florida such as those held by abortion rights protesters in front of the homes of U.S. Supreme Court justices in Virginia.
“Sending disobedient mobs to private homes, as we have seen in angry mobs in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” DeSantis said in an email to news agencies. “This bill will provide protection for those living in residential communities, and I am glad to sign it in law.
Some Democrats opposed the bill, saying it violated people’s rights to freedom of speech under the First Amendment.
The law must enter into force on October 1.
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