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Legislative bills

Louisiana Senate Approves Tax Credit for Fortified Roofs to Help Homeowners Reduce Insurance Costs

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Louisiana Senate has advanced a bill to create an individual income tax credit for homeowners who install a fortified roof, which is built with improved techniques and materials designed to prevent leaks and withstand hurricane-force winds. The tax credit, up to $10,000, will help cover out-of-pocket expenses for homeowners who upgrade their roofs. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety sets standards for the products and materials used, and the Louisiana Department of Insurance has a Fortify Homes Program that offers grants of up to $10,000 for homeowners who want to upgrade their roofs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senate Bill 28, sponsored by Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, would give homeowners a nonrefundable income tax credit for up to $10,000 for out-of-pocket expenses used to pay for a fortified roof.
  • Fortified roofs are built with materials and techniques designed to prevent leaks and withstand hurricane-force winds, lowering the risk of storm damage and typically lowering homeowner insurance rates.
  • The median cost of a fortified roof in Louisiana is about $16,229.
  • The state's Fortify Homes program is in its third year of existence and has awarded more than 1,800 grants since its first round of funding in October 2023.
  • Many more homeowners have opted to upgrade their roofs without grant money.
  • As of Feb. 1, the IBHS had issued 5,413 fortified certificates to property owners in Louisiana.
  • The bill limits the total amount of credits the state may issue in a single fiscal year to $10 million, and they are to be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The Louisiana Department of Insurance's Fortify Homes Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for homeowners who want to upgrade their roofs and can cover any costs in excess of the grant amount.

Statistics:

  • The tax credit is limited to $10,000 per homeowner.
  • The median cost of a fortified roof in Louisiana is $16,229.
  • The state's Fortify Homes program has awarded more than 1,800 grants since its first round of funding in October 2023.
  • As of Feb. 1, the IBHS had issued 5,413 fortified certificates to property owners in Louisiana.
  • The tax credit could help homeowners reduce their insurance costs at a median rate of 22%, as reviewed by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.
  • The total amount of credits the state may issue in a single fiscal year is limited to $10 million.

Sources:

  • Legislature of the State of Louisiana, "Bill Information: Senate Bill 28" (2025)
  • Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, "Fortified Homes Program" (n.d.)
  • Louisiana Department of Insurance, "Fortify Homes Program" (n.d.)
  • Louisiana Legislative Auditor, "Audit of the Fortify Homes Program" (2025)
  • LA Illuminator, "Fortified Roof Grant Audit" (March 10, 2025)
  • LA Illuminator, "Louisiana Opens Registration for New Round of Fortified Roof Grants" (February 12, 2025)

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