Heading to Fla panhandle (Santa Rosa) from central MD in a few weeks, finalizing the route. Have taken 95 to Eastern Fla and other points North several times. 95 for me is a bit of a nightmare to star...
Considering how far west in the pan handle your are headed I81-I75-I59 is probably your best route thru eastern Tennessee and south thru Alabama. Much better drive than I95 in all respects. Just watch your speed thru Chattanooga as the road weaves thru the mountain passes.
There are a bunch of Virginia and Tennessee State parks along the route that are good for a one night over stop at less than $30 a night.