Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is promoting the installation of fortified roofs to combat the increasing insurance rates faced by homeowners. A new initiative under the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) provides grants up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners to enhance their roofing. This comes as lawmakers propose various incentives and legislative measures to bolster roof fortification efforts. The effectiveness of fortified roofs in reducing insurance costs is backed by research showing significant savings for homeowners, emphasizing the urgent need for structural resilience against severe weather events.
New Orleans – Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is advocating for the installation of fortified roofs as a strategic response to the rising insurance rates plaguing homeowners in the state. As part of his initiative, a new roof was installed on Cohn Street in New Orleans on May 20, 2025, under the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP), which offers grants of up to $10,000 to assist eligible homeowners in upgrading their roofing to meet enhanced FORTIFIED® Roof standards. This program is administered by the Louisiana Department of Insurance, aiming to bolster resistance against hurricane-force winds and severe weather events.
Amid escalating home insurance premiums, Louisiana lawmakers are taking decisive actions to address this growing concern. They are pursuing various legislative measures designed to accelerate the adoption of fortified roofing solutions. These include proposals for a $10,000 tax credit for homeowners who invest in fortified roofs out of pocket, alongside a bill to mandate local governments to approve new roofing constructions that verify adherence to building standards.
Statistics show that fortified roofs can significantly lower home insurance costs and improve hurricane resilience. Following Hurricanes Laura and Ida, which inflicted extensive damage, the need for retrofitting homes in Louisiana has become increasingly urgent. The LFHP was created in 2023, modeled after a similar program in Alabama, and since its initiation, nearly 12,000 grant applications have flooded in, highlighting the substantial demand for financial support in roof fortification.
Last year, the LFHP provided funding for 3,000 grants while lawmakers are contemplating maintaining the previous funding level of $15 million. This funding is critical as many residents face the dual burdens of lower incomes and rising insurance premiums. Despite the evident demand, some proposals have encountered opposition, particularly those seeking to enforce fortified standards on coastal homes and those requiring insurance providers to deliver guaranteed discounts for fortified roofs.
The effectiveness of fortified roofs is underscored by research revealing that homes built to these standards were 56% less likely to file claims following Hurricane Sally. For homeowners who have already upgraded, an average reported savings of 22% in insurance premiums is a compelling incentive. Fortified roofing includes specific enhancements such as better nails, stronger edges, and taped seams to increase overall durability.
Since the launch of the LFHP, the number of certified roofs in Louisiana has surged from just 313 in 2023 to over 5,413 by early 2025. Remarkably, a recent auditor’s report revealed that 64% of these certifications were obtained without LFHP funding, indicating a significant private sector interest in adhering to fortified standards.
Key lawmakers, including Senators Kirk Talbot and Royce Duplessis, are lending their support to various bills aimed at improving incentives for installing certified roofs, as well as pushing for broader insurance discounts. There’s a growing focus on improving structural resilience in Louisiana’s homes, particularly in the southern regions where severe weather events are more common.
To further enhance participation in wind mitigation surveys—which could lead to additional insurance savings for homeowners—lawmakers are considering the establishment of a new fund specifically aimed at coastal homes, supported by a portion of sales tax revenues collected after disasters. As the legislative landscape evolves, these ongoing initiatives signify Louisiana’s commitment to fostering a resilient insurance market while actively working to improve the fortification strategies that protect homeowners across the state.
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