06/04/2026
Right now, registration for the Louisiana fortified roof program is open til Friday, June 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Here are some key points…
📋 The Benefit: Provides a grant of up to $10,000 to upgrade your home's roof to the hurricane-resistant IBHS FORTIFIED Roof™ standard.
Tax-Free: Thanks to recent legislative updates, these grant funds are 100% exempt from Louisiana state income tax.
Direct Payment: You do not have to front the $10,000 and wait for reimbursement. The grant is paid directly to your approved FORTIFIED contractor once the final inspection passes.
The Payoff: Louisiana law requires insurance companies to give premium credits for a FORTIFIED roof. Expect a 20% to 40% discount on the wind portion of your homeowners insurance premium.
Eligibility Rules ("The Knockout Criteria")
To qualify for the random lottery drawing, you must meet all four of these criteria:
1️⃣ Primary Residence Only: The home must be your main residence, and you must have a valid Homestead Exemption on file with your parish. (Rental properties, second homes, and new constructions are disqualified).
2️⃣ Active Wind Insurance: You must have an active homeowners insurance policy that explicitly includes windstorm coverage.
3️⃣ Flood Insurance (If Applicable): If your home sits in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, you must provide proof of an active flood insurance policy.
4️⃣ Good Structural Repair: The home must be structurally sound. The grant cannot be used to fix underlying structural damage or ongoing, unaddressed roof leaks.
How Often Can You Reapply?
Every Single Round: If your name is not drawn in the lottery, you can reapply every time a new funding round opens. There is no penalty or waiting period constraint.
The Catch: Your application does not automatically roll over. While you can reuse your existing online profile, you must actively log in and re-register your name into the hat for every new lottery cycle.
Note: Because it is a random lottery, registering on the very first day gives you the exact same chance as registering on the final day.
Important "Need-to-Know" Items
Out-of-Pocket Gap: A full FORTIFIED roof upgrade in Louisiana typically runs between $15,000 and $25,500 depending on size. You are responsible for paying any costs above the $10,000 grant.
Mandatory Fees: You are responsible for paying the certified FORTIFIED Evaluator fees (they must inspect the roof before and during construction) as well as local building permits.
No Pre-Work: Do not start any roofing construction before being officially selected and approved, or you will void your grant eligibility.
🔗 Official Link to Apply
You must create a profile and register during the active window directly through the official state portal:
👉 Apply at www.FortifyHomes.La.Gov
(Selection notices for the current 3,000-grant lottery round will begin emailing out on June 22, 2026).
Wendy Rosato Hinyub Jeff Hinyub
