Grant funds cover eligible construction costs and are paid directly to the contractor. Homeowners remain responsible for evaluation fees and costs exceeding the grant amount. Timing matters: starting the roofing project before receiving the program’s approval makes you ineligible for the grant.
What happens if I’m not selected for the grant?
Missing out on the grant does not necessarily mean missing out on savings.
Louisiana also offers a separate FORTIFIED Roof Tax Credit for eligible homeowners who install a qualifying roof without receiving a Louisiana Fortify Homes Program grant. The credit covers 100% of qualifying expenses, up to $10,000 per residence—subject to the program’s requirements and approval.
In other words, not being selected in the grant lottery does not automatically disqualify you from the tax credit. These are separate programs with separate requirements. However, homeowners who receive the grant cannot also claim this roof tax credit.
Is the tax credit the same as getting a $10,000 check?
No. This is a nonrefundable Louisiana income-tax credit, meaning it reduces your state income-tax liability rather than automatically reimbursing you in cash. Unused credit may be carried forward for up to three subsequent tax years. Your tax professional should help determine how much benefit you could actually use.
The credit applies to eligible owner-occupied primary residences with a homestead exemption, and the roof must receive an IBHS FORTIFIED designation. Submit applications through LaTAP from January 1 through June 30 of the year after certification. The program has a $10 million fiscal-year cap, with credits allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so the credit is not guaranteed simply because the work qualifies.
Learn More about the tax credit here
Can I still receive an insurance discount?
The insurance discount is a separate benefit tied to the property’s qualifying FORTIFIED designation. Louisiana’s Regulation 136 requires admitted insurers to provide discounts for eligible residential properties that receive that designation; the requirement is not conditioned on winning a grant.
One important detail: LDI’s published discount benchmarks apply to the hurricane portion of your premium, not automatically to your entire homeowners insurance bill. Ask your agent to help estimate your discount
So, should I choose FORTIFIED?
Our recommendation is to compare the numbers before deciding. Request a roofing estimate that clearly identifies the FORTIFIED work, have your insurance agent review the potential premium savings, and discuss tax-credit eligibility with your tax professional.
For Realtors helping clients prepare a home for sale or evaluate a property that needs a roof, we recommend bringing those conversations into the process early.
The grant lottery should not be the only factor in your decision. A qualifying tax credit and insurance discount may still provide savings even without a grant. The key is knowing which benefits apply to your situation before relying on them in your budget.
Where Kastner Fits
Kastner Insurance Group is an independent agency based in Lafayette, serving businesses and homeowners across Acadiana, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the North Shore. We can consult and review coverage options from multiple carriers and help coordinate them with the rest of the insurance package.
Coverage availability and terms vary by carrier and policy. Call 337-291-0018 or contact us to start a conversation.
Levi Kastner
