While most presidential campaigns are anchored in a candidate’s hometown, aides concluded that it was not practical for Mr. Huntsman to choose Salt Lake City because it is so far away from New Hampshire and South Carolina, the two early-voting states that Mr. Huntsman is eyeing.

Florida quickly became a leading choice, aides said, because of its critical role in the Republican primary — and general election — and because Orlando is the hometown of his wife, Mary Kaye Huntsman. Aides briefly discussed locating the campaign in New Hampshire or South Carolina, but concluded that it would make Mr. Huntsman look like a one-state candidate.

An added benefit: A presidential candidate cannot easily be called a carpetbagger.