Florida gov. accepts ruling against prison privatizations

Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) said this week that he will not appeal a court ruling that struck down his plan to privatize 29 of the state's prisons, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

The ruling, made last month by circuit court judge Jackie Fulford, is a major blow for companies private prison companies GEO and Nashville-based Corrections Corporation of America, who were in position to make millions from the plan.

Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers snuck the privatization plan in their budget bill, making it easier for Scott to sign into law instead of debating the issue by itself. Republican lawmakers said the plan would save money for the state, but a recent cost analysis proved that would not be the case.

(Photo credit: Gage Skidmore)