Louisiana’s 2025 Insurance Reform: How HB 145 and HB 121 Reshape Home Protection, Roofing, and Insurance Premiums

2025 Louisiana Roof Tax Credit: Homeowner Guide

On June 30, 2025, Louisiana reached a critical milestone for property owners and families across the state. Governor Jeff Landry, recognizing the mounting pressure from record-breaking home insurance costs and the devastation of recent hurricane seasons, signed two powerful new laws: House Bill 145 (HB 145) and House Bill 121 (HB 121). These legislative acts promise real financial relief, greater market transparency, and stronger, safer homes for everyone who calls Louisiana home.

Understanding the Problem: Why Did Louisiana Need Insurance Reform?

For years, Louisiana’s unique climate and geographic position have exposed homeowners to extreme weather, frequent hurricanes, and flooding. Insurance premiums kept climbing, with many families paying more for coverage than for their annual mortgage. Insurers, facing massive payouts after catastrophic storms, were also pulling out of the market, making it even harder for residents to secure affordable, reliable protection.

The state’s leadership saw that something had to change. Not only did Louisiana families deserve fair, accessible insurance, but they also needed support to make their homes more resilient in the face of future storms.

HB 145: Unprecedented State Support for FORTIFIED™ Roof Upgrades

The bill, HB 145, introduces a $10,000 state income tax credit for homeowners who upgrade their property with a certified FORTIFIED™ roof. This is more than just a tax deduction — it is a direct investment from the state into the safety and resilience of Louisiana’s housing.

Governor Landry commented at the signing:

“This measure supports proactive homeowners who invest in making their homes more resilient. By encouraging FORTIFIED™ roof upgrades, we are helping families lower their insurance costs while building stronger, more storm-resistant communities across Louisiana.”

What is a FORTIFIED™ Roof and Why Does it Matter?

A FORTIFIED™ roof is not an ordinary upgrade. It’s a system designed and tested by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), using advanced installation methods and materials that dramatically increase a home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds, rain-driven leaks, and flying debris. Every certified installation is independently verified to ensure the highest standard of storm protection.

How the Tax Credit Works

Any homeowner who completes a qualifying roof replacement or new roof installation meeting FORTIFIED™ standards can claim up to $10,000 as a state income tax credit. This means that a large part of the cost of making your home hurricane-ready can be offset directly on your Louisiana tax return. The credit is available per dwelling, so even owners of duplexes, multi-family properties, or small apartment buildings can benefit.

Southern Home Improvement Center helps clients at every step — from the initial free consultation, project planning and permitting, to full documentation.

HB 121: Clarifying Roles and Protecting Homeowners in the Claims Process

While HB 145 incentivizes proactive home improvements, HB 121 is about transparency and fairness in the aftermath of storm damage. The bill explicitly prohibits roofing and home improvement contractors from acting as insurance adjusters or handling claims before a homeowner files one. Contractors must focus on their primary job: delivering expert repairs and installations.

House Insurance Committee Chairman Gabe Firment explained:

“We need roofers being tradesmen and not salesmen.”

This new law helps prevent potential conflicts of interest, fraud, or abuses during the claims process. Homeowners can now trust that when they hire a certified roofing contractor for storm damage roof restoration, their only goal is to restore the home to full safety and compliance, not to steer the insurance payout process.

If you need help with a claim, the law encourages homeowners to seek advice from an independent, licensed public adjuster — a professional whose sole job is to represent your interests with the insurance company.

Real-World Impact: Who Benefits and How?

For Families with Aging or Vulnerable Roofs

Many older homes and properties in Louisiana have roofs that no longer meet today’s hurricane standards. Now, instead of facing the full cost of an upgrade alone, families can access state support, lower their insurance premiums, and improve their property’s resale value by choosing a FORTIFIED™ roof.

For Owners of New Construction

HB 145 and HB 121 provide strong incentives to build new homes to a higher standard from the very start. Choosing new roof installation with a FORTIFIED™ system not only protects your investment, but ensures eligibility for the maximum tax credit and insurance discounts.

For Owners of Commercial and Multi-Family Properties

The tax credit and premium reductions aren’t just for single-family homes. Apartment owners, duplex landlords, and business owners with qualifying structures can all access the benefits by working with Southern Home Improvement Center to bring their properties up to code and FORTIFIED™ standards.

Insurance Premium Savings: Immediate and Long-Term Benefits

Beyond the upfront $10,000 tax credit, a FORTIFIED™ roof installation can dramatically reduce your annual insurance premium — often by 20% to 60%. With insurance rates at historic highs, these savings add up quickly, and over just a few years can even exceed the initial investment. The combination of stronger protection and lower premiums is now more accessible than ever for Louisiana homeowners.

Navigating the Process with Southern Home Improvement Center

The steps to securing your benefit are straightforward when you partner with an experienced local company. Here’s what you can expect:

Start with a free estimate and project evaluation.
Choose the right roofing system and materials for your property and location.
Rely on certified installation teams familiar with all FORTIFIED™ requirements and the latest Louisiana building codes.
Get full support with paperwork, documentation.
Enjoy peace of mind, knowing your roof repairs or replacement will maximize your insurance premium savings.

Southern Home Improvement Center has decades of experience serving Louisiana families and businesses. Our team remains up to date on every new regulation, grant opportunity, and building code update.

Voices from the State: Official Support for Stronger, Safer Homes

Governor Landry’s administration has been clear:

“By encouraging FORTIFIED™ roof upgrades, we’re not only building safer homes, we’re building a safer Louisiana.”

Chairman Firment added:

“Clear boundaries between contractors and claims adjusters help ensure every homeowner gets fair treatment and expert service.”

Such official support reflects Louisiana’s commitment to modernizing its housing and making disaster resilience a financial reality, not a luxury.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Upgrade

With climate risks growing and insurance markets evolving, there has never been a better time to invest in your home’s protection. The window to claim the $10,000 tax credit won’t stay open forever, and the earlier you act, the sooner you’ll benefit from lower insurance bills and greater peace of mind.

Ready to Take Advantage of Louisiana’s New Laws?

Whether you’re facing a needed roof replacement, planning for new construction, or simply want to future-proof your home, now is the time to act. Contact Southern Home Improvement Center for your free consultation, detailed estimate, and step-by-step guidance through the entire process — from the first question to the final inspection.

With HB 145 and HB 121, Louisiana homeowners have new power to protect their families, lower their premiums, and invest in the long-term value of their property. Make your next roofing project work for you — and for the future of Louisiana.