Giuliani will attempt to use South Florida’s New York lineage to counterbalance the political volatility of the I-4 corridor.

“Mayor Giuliani has made it part of his strategy to win big in South Florida,” said Chip LaMarca, chairman of the Broward County GOP and a Giuliani supporter.

But even in Orlando the prevalence of New Yorkers is striking. “Every time I go out and speak with voters, I hear two things: ‘He was an excellent mayor during Sept. 11,’ and ‘I’m from New York,’ ” said Synan.

“There’s a certain favorite-son element of his candidacy down here, no question about it,” said Sid Dinerstein, who grew up in New York City and now chairs the Palm Beach County Republican Party. Dinerstein himself remains neutral.

Independent political experts and advisers to Giuliani’s campaign say that Florida will serve as a political firewall for the mayor.