New law to protect residential communities from “unruly mobs,” “angry crowds”

FLORIDA — Governor Ron DeSantis said his signing of HB 1571 yesterday protects Florida neighborhoods from unruly mobs and angry crowds like those protesting Supreme Court justices.

The bill prohibits individuals from picketing and protesting outside of a person’s place of residence. Residential picketing will be punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor under the new law.

“Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” said DeSantis.

“This bill will provide protection to those living in residential communities and I am glad to sign it into law.”

Once the law takes effect, law enforcement officers can arrest individuals for residential picketing if the person does not peaceably disperse after a warning is issued.