Former Employer Refusing To Pay After Resignation (fl)

I recently resigned from my job after being employed for 3+ years. I resigned after my employer said he wouldn't be able to pay the entire office for our 2 week pay period and would pay everyone the following week. I took this as a major red flag and resigned on the spot.

This occurred over a month ago now. I am owed over $10k (about 3 weeks worth of pay, OT, and owed PTO pay out.) He is now refusing to pay me. Others resigned in similar time frame but have been paid but I've been told he has a personal vendetta against me and is refusing to pay. I can not get in contact with him directly but have spoken over the phone and via email to the office manager who just keeps saying he is thinking about signing the check soon.

I have filed a wage theft claim through my local city department but it seems to be a very slow process.

The money is of a significant amount for me and it is becoming very frustrating. What other recourse do I have at this time and at what point is it worthwhile, both monetarily and time wise, to hire a lawyer.

I appreciate any advice on how to proceed