(a) An appeal may be taken to the circuit court from a final order of the Arkansas Real Estate Commission in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.
(b) An appeal shall automatically stay that portion of the commission's order which directs the payment of damages, and neither the licensee nor the commission shall be obligated to pay the damages to the aggrieved party or parties until such time as the appeal is finally decided, whether in the circuit court or in the Supreme Court.