Dmv....
Because state laws are different from one to the other, my only advice here is for you to work with the DMV. I've learned in my past experience, be nice, that goes a long way with these people.
In Alabama, we don't have a title law. I bought a 1991 Wave Runner for $25 bucks. No engine, just the hull. Before I did any work on it, I started the process of trying to register it. I had a lot of foot work to do, but in the end, it seemed, my being patient and nice is what got my registration.
The lady did a "stolen" check on the Louisiana registration numbers that was on it when I got it and it didn't show up stolen. All she required then, was a bill of sale with at least 3 witness signatures.
I now have the registration and a newly rebuilt 650 engine in it. I also can prove that it is mine.
All states have an "abandoned" law or a law that allows you to become the rightful owner after some other obilgations are met. Here, I know if someone parks a car on the side of the road, on my property and leaves it there for like, 30 days, I can put an add in the newspaper, looking for the owner. That shows attempt being made to find the owner. After 30 days, I can apply paperwork at the courthouse to start the process to claim the vehicle.
So, you'll need to work with your state DMV, because they are all different and unless you get an answer from someone in the state of Florida, it will be irrelevant to your issue..............:cheers:
