you will need a car in Fort Lauderdale too with a few exceptions. I have been doing ORD-FLL for almost 2 years and it has gotten more difficult since United left, but it is still good as 3 hour commutes go. we now have 3 direct flights a day on Spirit, and AA still has 2 direct flights a day. there is also Southwest out of Midway with 4 directs a day, and in a pinch there always options going through Atlanta, and going to Miami and Tri-Railing it to FLL