MID to begin fortifying homes on Mississippi Gulf Coast
Special to Long Beach Breeze
The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) is set to begin fortifying homes along the Mississippi Gulf Coast through the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program (SMH).
Senate Bill 2409, passed during the 2026 Legislative Session, allows the MID to administer the program designed to help homeowners install stronger, storm-resistant roofs. The program supports upgrades to FORTIFIED Roof™ standards, which are designed to better withstand high winds, heavy rain and severe weather.
SB 2409 takes effect July 1 and allows the MID to partner with other agencies to administer funds. The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (MWUA), or “wind pool” as it is commonly known, is providing $2 million to be administered by the MID. Recipients will receive up to $10,000 in grant money. These funds will be provided to mitigate primary, single-family, owner-occupied residences. Grant recipients must be currently insured through the wind pool and have been insured by the wind pool for three consecutive policy years prior to being eligible.
Other homeowners who are not insured with the wind pool will be eligible in the statewide rollout anticipated to take place in early 2027. Additional information will be provided on the MID website later this year.
In the meantime, the MID is continuing to build the systems needed to expand this grant program across the state. An advisory board has been created, and members have been named. The program is funded with fees collected from insurance companies – not taxpayer money. Those fees will be collected beginning July 1. with full funding anticipated by spring 2027.
For any questions, contact the MID at 1-800-562-2957.
