Florence direct to FCO

I really don't think so- did you check the trenitalia site to see?

I didn't think staying near the airport would be that helpful- you'll still need transportation from your hotel to the airport in the morning. If you plan to take the train from the city to the airport, I thought it made a lot more sense to stay at a hotel near Termini.

I did the exact same thing you did though- took a very late train from Florence to Rome on a Saturday night, with an 11am flight the next morning. We ended up having the hotel's car service take us to the airport in the morning for 48 euros.

The "Leonardo Express" runs non-stop every 30 minutes from Termini direct to the airport, and the trip only takes 30 minutes. So transferring won't really cost you very much time.

I agree, don't spend your last night out at the airport! Stay in the city center, have a great meal, and see the sights one last time. You can have your hotel arrange a ride (40 Euro) to the airport the next morning. Just be sure that you arrive at the airport (Terminal 5) 3 hours before your departure time.

Thanks everyone! those of you who have stayed neat the city center the night before an early flight, is it necessary to stay right near the train station or did you feel comfortable enough to stay elsewhere?

I had originally planned to take the Leonardo Express in the morning, which is why I stayed close to the train station our last night in Rome after traveling from Florence (didn't arrive in Rome until 10:40, so no time to really go out and enjoy a last evening in the city). If you're going to take alternate transportation to the airport I don't think it really matters where you stay. We were at the Best Western Villafranca which served its purpose. But we didn't do the train because it was either walk to Termini from the hotel (which was fine, and why I got that hotel) or take a 12 euro cab ride, on top of the train tickets (would have been 28 euros for that). For a few extra euros, and for door to door service, the car service was MORE than worth it at 48 euros.

Any suggestions on a shuttle service?

Maybe once you book your hotel, see what they offer in terms of a shuttle or car service to the airport. I'm sure there are more general ones, but I would assume your hotel would have better ideas.