Requiring drug tests for welfare applicants is costing Florida taxpayers more than it saves, according to new data released this week.

According to Bay News 9's partner paper, the Tampa Bay Times, a little more than 100 out of 4,000 applicants failed the tests.

The numbers show that taxpayers spent $118,140 to reimburse people for drug test costs at an average of $35 per screening.  The state's net loss was $45,780.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is suing the state over the program.  It won a temporary ban on the tests in October.

The court results could have nationwide consequences.  Since Gov. Rick Scott signed the bill into law, 25 other states have considered similar test requirements.