A Florida appeals court allowed an increase in workers' compensation rates to take effect in the state pending a legal review, according to The Ledger of Lakeland, Fla.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation planned to raise premiums by an average of 14.5% before a circuit court judge ruled against the increase. Judge Karen Gievers said the decision-making process leading to the recommended rate change was not transparent enough.

The regulatory office appealed the decision, and the 1st District Court of Appeal granted a stay of Gievers' ruling, The Ledger reported.

A decision from the appellate court is expected by February 2017 at the earliest, the newspaper said.