Strengthen Minnesota Homes
Current update (3/20/26): The Strengthen Minnesota Homes program is in the pilot stage, with full implementation expected during 2026. We are actively building a network of FORTIFIED-certified contractors and evaluators to support program rollout.
Subscribe to the Consumer Announcements newsletter* to receive email updates for individuals including consumers, homeowners, renters and the general public. 
Don’t miss our upcoming certification and informational session on April 8th. View the registration flyer for details.
Protect Your Home from Severe Weather
What the Program Does
Strengthen Minnesota Homes provides financial assistance to help homeowners strengthen their roofs, so homes are better protected against high winds, hail, and other extreme weather.
Upgrading to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard can:
- Reduce wind and hail damage by up to 60%
- Qualify homeowners for insurance premium discounts
- Make homes more resilient and reduce future repair costs
Overview
In the 2023 session, the Legislature established a new pre-disaster mitigation program to help Minnesotans upgrade their roofs to make them more resistant to high wind, hail and other extreme weather events. The program, named “Strengthen Minnesota Homes,” aims to keep Minnesotans safer and healthier in their homes and is an action Minnesotans can take to build individual climate resiliency.
Strengthen Minnesota Homes relies on a construction method called FORTIFIED developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The FORTIFIED standards are a research-based set of construction upgrades designed to enhance a home’s ability to withstand the impacts of severe weather. These standards go above the building code and are designed to enhance a home’s ability to withstand the impacts of extreme weather.
Strengthen Minnesota Homes relies on a construction method called FORTIFIED developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The FORTIFIED standards are a research-based set of construction upgrades designed to enhance a home’s ability to withstand the impacts of severe weather. These standards go above the building code and are designed to enhance a home’s ability to withstand the impacts of extreme weather.
Laws 2023 Chapter 60 appropriates $1 million in planning funds to the agency to work over the next two years to stand up the details of the new program. Laws 2023 Chapter 57 creates the framework for the program and establishes criteria for contractors and other professionals to perform work on homes once the grant program becomes operational.
Chapter 57 also requires insurance companies to offer a premium discount to Minnesotans who upgrade their existing roof, or builds a new roof, to the FORTIFIED standard. Any Minnesotan with a FORTIFIED roof on their home that meets the definition of an insurable property under Minn. Stat. §65A.298 is eligible for a discount on their insurance premium.
Grant amounts
The projected grant amount for each qualifying home is estimated at $10,000. Note that this grant amount may not cover the full cost of upgrading a home up to the FORTIFIED Roof™ standard.
Homeowner eligibility
To be eligible for the Strengthen Minnesota Homes Program, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Be the owner of a single- or two-family home in Minnesota,
- The residence must not be in a state of structural disrepair, as well as have a qualifying existing roof and structure foundation and
- Allow for the home to be inspected by a FORTIFIED certified evaluator to confirm eligibility.
Additional information on location and income-based eligibility will be added at a later date.
Contractor participation
To participate in the program as a contractor, roofers must meet all program requirements including training and certification. The eligible contractor must:
- Have a valid roofing license and business registration
- Possess an in-force general liability policy with $1,000,000 in liability coverage,
- Possess an in-force workers compensation policy,
- Possess a certificate of compliance from the commissioner of revenue and
- Complete the Fortified Roof for High Wind and Hail training provided by the IBHS and maintain an active certification. The training may be offered as separate courses.
Upcoming Training & Events
Roofing Contractors: Use this link for information on the FORTIFIED Home™ Roofing Contractor – High Wind and Hail training.
General Contractors: Use this link for information on the FORTIFIED Home™ Professional – High Wind and Hail training.
Please note that non-profit contractors or contractors affiliated with a qualified non-profit organization may be eligible to have the costs of FORTIFIED Home™ trainings offered at no cost. For additional information, please contact Sherron.Taylor@state.mn.us.
Evaluator Participation
To be eligible to work on the program as an evaluator, the evaluator must meet all program eligibility requirements and must submit to the commissioner and maintain a copy of all current certificates and licenses. The evaluator must:
- be in good standing with IBHS and maintain an active certification as a FORTIFIED Home™ Evaluator for high wind and hail or a successor certification,
- possess a Minnesota business license and be registered with the Secretary of State and
- successfully complete the program training.
Prospective Evaluators: Use this link for information on the FORTIFIED Home™ Evaluator – High Wind and Hail training.