The state will likely appeal Thursday's ruling by a Miami federal judge that blanket drug testing of Florida state workers is unconstitutional -- saying it violates the Fourth Amendment against unreasonable search and seizure.
Gov. Rick Scott, during a visit to WUSF's studios, said the court ruling makes no sense because random drug testing is common practice in the private sector.
"Most likely we're going to appeal it because, I've got elected to run the state like a business," Scott said during an interview with Florida Matters. "And the private sector does it because they want to have a qualified workforce. They want to have a safe environment and why wouldn't we want the same thing for people that you pay your tax dollars to?"
Scott's executive order for open-ended drug testing was challenged by a labor union representing government workers and the American Civil Liberties Union. Their contention is that testing should only be done if there is a suspected problem and for safety-related or high-risk jobs.
The court's ruling also could impact a new state law that permits random worker drug testing.
