This has got to be the weirdest/craziest story I think I've ever heard (Been and Officer for nearly 14yrs) but, I'm glad to see you got it back.

I'm not sure how they do it in Florida but, here in Ft Worth the car would probably be listed as missing which does not show up on our computers when we check a license plate or VIN. That might be why it took so long to find it. Someone has to physically call the registered owner to see if they still own the car and go from there.