Bill Herrle, Florida director for the National Federation of Independent Business, echoed McCarty's comments.

"The price that doctors can charge is many times higher than the prices that pharmacies can charge for the very same prescriptions," Herrle said.

The legislation is opposed by the Florida Medical Association and other health care organizations. They contend letting injured workers get drugs from their doctors instead of having to go to pharmacies for them makes it more likely they will take the medications and speed their recovery.

Herrle even had urged McCarty to reduce the rate increase by 2.5 percentage points in anticipation of savings from such legislation.

McCarty rejected that request. He must follow current law.

The Legislature passed such a measure last year, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Charlie Crist. The issue has been heavily lobbied by both sides.

McCarty also pointed out Florida's rates remain the lowest in the Southeast as well as the lowest among large states.

Rates also are 58.6 percent lower than they were in 2003 before the Legislature passed measures designed to hold down costs. They include a limit on fees that can be paid to lawyers who represent workers who file compensation claims.

While McCarty's order permits the rate increase sought by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, it's technically a denial of the group's request.

That's because McCarty rejected the council's methodology related to such favors as policyholder dividends and investment yields. He also turned down a proposed increase in minimum premiums and specific rate changes including those for roofers and ambulance and emergency medical service providers.