Drug Test - New Port Richey, FL

New Port Richey, FL Drug Testing

What Are Drug Tests Used For?

There are several reasons why individuals, attorneys, or business owners may be seeking a drug test in New Port Richey. This ranges from employment and legal matters to personal matters, such as child custody. Drug and alcohol screening in New Port Richey, FL, is commonly used to ensure adherence to specific legal, safety, and health standards.

Employment

Employers may require a drug test to pre-screen potential job candidates or adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Employees may also be subject to random drug testing or testing prior to returning to work after an accident. Drug screening in New Port Richey may also be required for employees who have attended rehab following a positive drug test.

Court Mandates

Courts often order drug testing as a condition of probation or during the pre-sentencing phase to assess an individual's current substance abuse status. Drug testing in New Port Richey, FL may also be a required condition for individuals released on bond.

Child Custody

Attorneys, mediators, and child and family investigators (CFIs) typically use drug testing protocols during child custody cases. Drug tests are often required for parents who wish to either keep or gain custody of their child.

Florida State Laws Around Employment Drug Testing

Drug testing in New Port Richey, FL is regulated by both federal and Florida workplace drug testing laws. This includes guidelines regarding pre-employment testing and testing after an accident in the workplace.

Pre-Employment Testing Law & Regulations

Business owners in the state of Florida can receive a worker's compensation discount for adopting the state's Drug-Free Workplace Program. The program, which was established by Fla. Stat. § 440.102, requires employers to conduct pre-employment drug screening on all job candidates who have been offered conditional employment. If a job candidate refuses to take a drug test in New Port Richey or fails a test, the employer may use this as grounds for refusing to hire the applicant.

Workplace Accident Testing & Regulations

According to Fla. Stat. § 440.09, worker's compensation benefits are not payable if a workplace injury was primarily caused due to the employee's intoxication or the influence of drugs. For this reason, it's common for employers to require drug and/or alcohol screening in New Port Richey, FL after a workplace accident or injury.

Can Employers Test for Marijuana Even Though It's Legal in Florida?

Yes, in Florida, employers can test employees for marijuana. Fla. Stat. § 381.986, which legalized medical marijuana in the state, specifically states that it does not prevent employers from enforcing a drug-free workplace policy or program. It also states that employers are not required to accommodate an employee's use of medical marijuana and firing an employee for marijuana use is not considered discrimination or wrongful discharge.

These Florida marijuana laws make New Port Richey marijuana testing a fairly common – and fully legal – practice.

Last updated 11/13/2023