Legislation allowing Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to run for president without resigning as the state's chief executive is now awaiting his signature.

Although DeSantis has been positioning himself for months to run for the White House, and according to reports, he is expected to launch a presidential exploratory committee first. One expert broke down the opportunities and drawbacks with taking such a step.

What You Need To Know

  • NBC News and other outlets have reported that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to form a presidential exploratory committee as he mulls a bid for the White House next year

  • One expert told Spectrum News that says it's common for expected presidential candidates to open an exploratory committee first because it gives them time to meet voters and craft a message

  • The FEC says that prospective candidates who test the waters do not "have to register or report" to the agency, though they still have to follow campaign finance regulations

Todd Belt, director of the Political Management program at The Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University says it's common for expected presidential candidates to open an exploratory committee first because it gives them time to meet voters and craft a message.

It also has its financial advantages, Belt told Spectrum News.

"One of the reasons that you would mount an exploratory committee is to be able to raise some money and to be able to go out and talk to voters about the prospects and the viability of a candidacy without having to report to the Federal Election Commission," hesaid.  

According to the Federal Election Commission's website, "an individual who merely tests the waters, but not to campaign for office, does not have to register or report" to the agency, though they are still required to follow federal campaign finance law.

Two Republicans, former President Donald Trump and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, are already declared candidates. 

Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has already former a presidential exploratory committee, and multiple news outlets report that Florida Gov. DeSantis is expected to follow suit this month.

News about a possible DeSantis exploratory committee was first reported by NBC News. During a visit to Israel last week, DeSantis denied that any firm decisions had been made. 

"There's not been anything set," DeSantis said. "And if there's any announcements, you know, those will come at the appropriate time ... if anyone's telling you that somehow they know this, or they know that, that's just inaccurate because there's not been any decisions made," said DeSantis. 

Belt says launching an exploratory committee also creates an opportunity to generate more notice and publicity. 

"It gives you sort of a twofer in terms of your campaign announcement, and it helps you draw more media attention," Belt told Spectrum News.

But, he says, there can also be drawbacks.

"The only downside is that if you get out there and start talking to voters and find out, they don't really like you and don't want you to run, and that has actually happened a couple of times when candidates have mounted exploratory committees, but never gone on to the election," he added.