Louisiana homeowners face hurricane-force winds and severe storms every year, and the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) was created to help offset the cost of upgrading to a FORTIFIED Roof — a roofing standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) that includes stronger deck attachment, sealed roof decking, and reinforced edges to better withstand high winds.
Sunbelt Roofs is a certified FORTIFIED roofing contractor serving homeowners across Louisiana. Below, we break down how the program works, who qualifies, and how to get started.
How the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program Works
The LFHP is a grant program administered by the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI), not something you apply for through a roofing contractor directly. Funding is limited, so homeowners typically register during an open enrollment window and are selected through a lottery process rather than a first-come, first-served application.
Program Steps
- Register during an open enrollment window through the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s official LFHP portal
- Selection — if chosen through the lottery, you’ll receive instructions to proceed
- Home inspection — an independent FORTIFIED evaluator inspects your home and documents the project
- Roof installation — a FORTIFIED-certified contractor completes the upgrade to program specifications
- Certification and reimbursement — the completed project is submitted for final IBHS FORTIFIED designation and grant funds are issued per program terms
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, homeowners generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Primary residence — the home must be owner-occupied and claimed as your primary residence
- Homestead exemption — the property must currently have a homestead exemption on file
- Insurance coverage — an active homeowners insurance policy that includes both wind and flood coverage
- Existing homes only — new construction typically does not qualify; this program funds upgrades to existing roofs
- Foundation and condition requirements — the home’s foundation type and overall structural condition must meet program standards, verified during inspection
Exact grant amounts and program terms are set by the state and can change between enrollment periods. Always confirm current details on the official LDI Fortify Homes Program page before making plans.
Why Work With Sunbelt Roofs
Not every roofing company is equipped to handle a FORTIFIED-certified installation. It requires specific materials, precise documentation, and coordinated inspection steps that a standard reroof doesn’t involve — and working with a contractor who isn’t properly certified can jeopardize your grant eligibility.
Sunbelt Roofs is a certified FORTIFIED roofing contractor already serving:
Sunbelt Roofs is a certified FORTIFIED roofing contractor with over 80 years of combined team experience, a 4.9-star Google rating, and a 25-year labor warranty on completed work. If you’re planning to register for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, get a free roof assessment now so you’re ready to move quickly if you’re selected.
[Request a Free Roof Assessment] | Call (985) 805-6921
For full program details and to register, visit the [Louisiana Department of Insurance’s official Fortify Homes Program page].
Looking into Mississippi’s program too? See our [Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) currently open?
Enrollment windows open periodically and are announced by the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Check the official LFHP page for the current status before registering.
How do I apply for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program?
Registration happens directly through the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s official portal during an open enrollment window — not through a roofing contractor. Once registered, selected homeowners are notified with next steps.
How much does the grant cover?
Grant amounts are set by the state and can change between enrollment periods. Check the official LDI page for the current figure before budgeting your project.
Do I need a specific roofer for this program?
Yes. The program requires a FORTIFIED-certified contractor and an independent evaluator to document the work for IBHS certification. Sunbelt Roofs is certified to perform FORTIFIED installations across Louisiana.
What’s the difference between this and Mississippi’s Strengthen Mississippi Homes program?
Both programs fund FORTIFIED Roof upgrades to protect against hurricane damage, but they’re run by different state agencies with different eligibility rules, funding amounts, and enrollment windows. Louisiana’s program runs through the Louisiana Department of Insurance statewide, while Mississippi’s is currently limited to Wind Pool policyholders in three coastal counties. See our Strengthen Mississippi Homes page for details on that program.