Arkansas Act 427 of 2025 created the Strengthen Arkansas Homes program, which offers grants of up to $15,000 to help homeowners upgrade existing homes to a FORTIFIED roof, a stronger roof standard built to resist high wind, hail and wind-driven rain. The program took effect 1 January 2026. Check the Arkansas Insurance Department for current application windows and eligibility.
What is a FORTIFIED roof?
FORTIFIED is a building standard from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). A FORTIFIED Roof includes a sealed roof deck so water stays out even if shingles blow off, stronger nailing of the decking, better edge details and impact or wind-rated roof coverings. An evaluator checks the work and the home receives a certificate.
What the program offers
| Law | Arkansas Act 427 of 2025 |
| Program | Strengthen Arkansas Homes |
| Grant | Up to $15,000 for existing homes |
| Effective | 1 January 2026 |
| Run through | Arkansas Insurance Department |
Details, funding and eligibility can change. Always check the Arkansas Insurance Department for current information.
Why it can save money
Insurers in states with FORTIFIED programs often offer premium discounts for roofs with a FORTIFIED certificate, and Arkansas insurers may offer discounts too. Ask your insurer what discount applies to a FORTIFIED certificate. A stronger roof also lowers the chance of leaks and claims after storms.
Is it worth it in Pine Bluff?
Pine Bluff sees regular severe weather. NOAA lists 122 thunderstorm wind reports and 14 tornadoes in Jefferson County from 2005 to 2026, and FEMA’s National Risk Index rates strong wind risk as relatively high. If your roof is near the end of its life, a FORTIFIED replacement with a grant can cost you far less than a regular replacement. See how long roofs last in Arkansas.
How it usually works
Check eligibility
Watch the Arkansas Insurance Department for open application periods.
Apply
Submit the application with your home details.
Pre-inspection
A trained FORTIFIED evaluator checks the home.
Roof work
A contractor approved for the program installs the roof to FORTIFIED standards.
Final check
The evaluator inspects and issues the certificate, and the grant is paid under program rules.
Do repairs qualify?
Generally no. FORTIFIED is about a full roof built to the standard, usually during a replacement. Leak repairs are separate. If your roof only needs a repair, fix it now and keep the grant in mind for when it needs replacing. See repair or replace a leaking roof.
Other help for homeowners
Low-income and senior homeowners may also qualify for repair help through USDA Rural Development home repair loans and grants in eligible rural areas, and through local community action agencies. See our Pine Bluff Roof Damage Report for storm history that may matter to your application.
FORTIFIED levels
IBHS has three levels: Roof, Silver and Gold. FORTIFIED Roof covers the roof system itself, which is where most storm damage starts. Silver adds protection for windows, doors and gable ends, and Gold adds a continuous load path that ties the roof to the foundation. The Arkansas grant program is focused on the roof level for existing homes. Check the program rules for what is covered.
Before you apply
- Find your roof age and any past claims
- Ask your insurer about FORTIFIED discounts
- Get your current roof checked so you know its condition
- Only work with contractors approved for the program
How much is the Arkansas FORTIFIED roof grant?
Up to $15,000 for existing homes under Act 427 of 2025.
When did the program start?
The law took effect 1 January 2026. Check the Arkansas Insurance Department for application windows.
Does FORTIFIED lower insurance costs?
Many insurers offer discounts for FORTIFIED roofs. Ask your insurer.
Can any roofer install a FORTIFIED roof?
The work must meet the standard and pass an evaluator’s inspection. Programs usually require approved contractors.