Former Software Contractor Is Making Intimidating Statements, Claiming Access To My Code, And Continuing To Contact Me After Police Intervention. What Are My Options?

Location: Tampa, FL

I'm a small business owner in Tampa, Florida dealing with an escalating situation involving a former software-development contractor. I'm looking for advice on how to handle the situation legally and protect myself and my business.

I hired and paid an individual to help develop websites and software for my company, including an educational platform. I provided the business concepts, branding, project requirements, and resources, while he handled portions of the technical development.

We subsequently had a disagreement about ownership of the software and source code. I have written documentation concerning his role and responsibilities, although I understand that ownership of contractor-developed code can depend on the specific agreements.

Since the relationship deteriorated, several concerning things have happened:

1. Software and intellectual property: He created a competing educational website that appears to reproduce elements of my platform. He also stated that he would make his version available for free and claimed that I would need to pay him to own the source code.
2. Potential ongoing system access: He sent messages claiming that whenever I update the software, he continues receiving those updates because the original code was developed on his computer and uses his backend infrastructure. I have not independently verified whether he actually retains access.
3. Personal data concerns: During our working relationship, I gave him limited access to a personal storage drive to review educational materials. He later referenced older personal photographs unrelated to the project, which made me concerned that he may have accessed information outside the scope of his authorization. I don't have proof that files were copied.
4. Intimidating communications: During the dispute, he sent statements including "you challenge the wrong person to a tech battle" and "you choose to fight you will see." He has also sent repeated insults and accusations.
5. Flash drive: He previously gave me his own flash drive to review some projects. When I connected it to my computer, Windows prompted me to format it. I canceled without accessing its contents. He later messaged me that he wouldn't use the flash drive if he were me. I don't know what he meant or whether the device presents any actual security risk.
6. Police involvement: I went to the police in person, showed them our messages, and explained the situation. Officers called him on speakerphone and instructed both of us to stop communicating. We both verbally agreed.
7. Continued contact: Within approximately seven minutes of my leaving the police station, he began messaging me again with accusations, insults, and mocking images. He sent another message several minutes later. I did not respond or contact him after the police intervention.
8. Personal safety: He knows where I live and previously appeared at my residence uninvited, although that occurred before the dispute escalated. He has also told me about repeated physical altercations with a family member. I have not witnessed those altercations, but I have seen him with bruises. He has not explicitly threatened to physically assault me, but I am concerned about an unexpected confrontation.

The police indicated that the underlying business dispute was primarily a civil matter. I understand that, but I'm concerned about the continued unwanted contact and possible unauthorized access to my systems or personal information.

My questions are:

• In Florida, when can repeated unwanted communications potentially qualify as stalking or cyberstalking, particularly after police have instructed both parties to cease contact?
• Would these circumstances potentially support seeking an injunction for protection against stalking?
• What type of attorney should I consult regarding the source-code ownership dispute, potential unauthorized access, and possible disclosure of proprietary software?
• What steps should I take to preserve electronic evidence and determine whether the former contractor still has access to my systems?
• How should I safely arrange the return of his flash drive without having direct contact with him?

I'm preserving the messages and screenshots and intend to follow up with law enforcement. I'm not looking for retaliation or confrontation. I want to protect myself, my business, and my intellectual property while handling everything through appropriate legal channels.

Any guidance from people familiar with Florida law, contractor disputes, or cybersecurity would be appreciated.