ATLANTA (AP) — In a case that's being watched closely in Georgia, a federal appeals court has upheld a temporary ban on a Florida law requiring drug testing of welfare recipients.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta on Tuesday ruled that a lower court was right to temporarily halt enforcement of Florida's drug-testing program. The opinion says the state hadn't shown a "substantial special need" for the testing.

A similar law in Georgia is on hold pending the outcome of the legal challenge. A spokesman for Georgia's governor says the states' laws have some differences, and Georgia will have to study the ruling to see whether it affects Georgia's statute.

Tuesday's decision means the Florida law will continue to not be enforced as the courts consider the underlying legal issues.