Did you use a credit card for the deposit??
I made a heafty deposit on my credit card and services were not rendered. I contacted the credit card company..supplied them with all paperwork etc. The credit card company did not charge me interest on the charge that I made for the contractual deposit while they conducted their investigation. They contacted the person's bank and did not get a response within 3 billing cycles and finally took the charge off of my credit card for good. The individual had closed his merchant account.....I spoke with an assistant State Attny in my area and she told me to try and deal with credit card co first prior to filing court docs.
If you have to deal with court...
You have to file police report first and take report to SA Office or Clerk of Court depending on amount. It is considered fraud in the State of FL to receive monies without following through with contract (I dont remember the exact F.S.S.!!). If you do call the local Sheriff's office make sure you speak with the desk sgt. and don't let him/her blow you off. Also type up an affidavit and have it notarized to take with you to the S.O.
Dont let them say it is out of their jurisdiction or a civil matter..I used to do that all the time
-Fred