What Is Louisiana Act 239 and How Does It Protect You From Bad Roofers?

By Acadiana Roof Restoration LLC | Scott, LA | Veteran-Owned | IBHS FORTIFIED Certified | Louisiana's Only 5-Star Roof Maxx Dealer

Louisiana Act 239 is a law that took effect in August 2025 requiring roofing contractors to hold a valid Louisiana state license, carry adequate insurance, and meet registration requirements before performing roofing work in the state. It was passed specifically to protect Louisiana homeowners from out-of-state storm chasers and underqualified contractors who flood the market after hurricanes and severe weather events, do the work poorly, collect payment, and disappear before the problems surface.

Why Did Louisiana Pass Act 239?

Louisiana is one of the most storm-prone states in the country. After every significant hurricane or severe weather event, neighborhoods are targeted by out-of-state roofing contractors who show up door-to-door offering fast, cheap repairs. Many of these companies:

Have no Louisiana contractor's license and are not subject to state oversight

Carry inadequate insurance, or no insurance at all, meaning you have no recourse if a worker is injured on your property or the work fails

Do not pull building permits, leaving you with unpermitted work that complicates future insurance claims and home sales

Disappear after payment, with no local address, no warranty support, and no way to hold them accountable

Louisiana legislators passed Act 239 to close the legal gap that allowed this pattern to continue. Before August 2025, enforcement was inconsistent. Act 239 establishes clear, enforceable requirements that apply to any contractor performing roofing work above a certain dollar threshold in Louisiana.

What Does Act 239 Require of Roofing Contractors?

Under Act 239, any contractor performing qualifying roofing work in Louisiana must:

Hold a valid Louisiana contractor's license. Issued by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), a valid license means the contractor has passed a trade examination, demonstrated financial responsibility, and agreed to be subject to state oversight and disciplinary proceedings.

Carry workers' compensation insurance. If a worker is injured on your roof and the contractor lacks workers' comp coverage, you, as the property owner, may be liable for medical costs and lost wages. Act 239 requires proof of coverage.

Carry general liability insurance. This covers damage to your property caused by the contractor's work. Without it, you have no insurance backstop if the contractor damages your home and then fails to make it right.

Register in Louisiana. Out-of-state contractors must register with the state before performing work in Louisiana, creating a paper trail and a mechanism for homeowner recourse.

How Do I Verify a Roofer Is Compliant With Act 239?

Before signing any roofing contract, take these steps:

Step 1: Look up their LSLBC license. Go to lslbc.louisiana.gov and search by company name or license number. Confirm the license is active and covers roofing work.

Step 2: Ask for certificates of insurance. Request a certificate of insurance showing both workers' compensation and general liability coverage. The certificate should name you (or your address) as the certificate holder. Call the insurance company to verify it's current if you have any doubt.

Step 3: Confirm they pull permits. A compliant contractor handles the permit themselves. If a contractor asks you to pull your own permit, or tells you no permit is needed for a full replacement, that's a serious red flag.

Step 4: Get a written contract. Act 239 strengthens your position as a homeowner, but a written contract is still your primary protection. It should specify the scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms.

Step 5: Check for a local address. Contractors who travel in for storm work often have no permanent Louisiana presence. Ask for a local address and verify it's real. A contractor who can't be found after the job is done cannot be held accountable.

Does Act 239 Apply to Minor Repairs?

Act 239 applies to roofing work above a certain dollar threshold, minor repairs below that amount are generally not covered. However, the threshold is low enough that most meaningful roof work qualifies. When in doubt, assume the requirements apply and verify your contractor's credentials anyway. The 10 minutes it takes to verify a license could save you tens of thousands of dollars in problems later.

How Does Acadiana Roof Restoration Comply With Act 239?

Acadiana Roof Restoration is fully compliant with Act 239 and all Louisiana contractor regulations:

LSLBC licensed, license verifiable at lslbc.louisiana.gov

Workers' compensation insurance, carried on all employees and job sites

General liability insurance, full coverage on all projects

Permit pulling, we handle all required permits; we never ask homeowners to pull their own

Local presence, we are a South Louisiana company, not a storm-chasing operation. We'll be here long after the job is done

Jason Lopez, Owner and NRCIA Forensic Roof Inspector, founded Acadiana Roof Restoration as a U.S. Navy veteran committed to bringing integrity to an industry that badly needs it. Act 239 codifies what we've always done.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Louisiana Act 239 go into effect?

Act 239 took effect in August 2025. Any roofing contractor performing qualifying work in Louisiana after that date is subject to its requirements.

What happens if a contractor violates Act 239?

Violations can result in fines, license suspension or revocation, and civil liability. Homeowners who are harmed by unlicensed contractors may also have remedies through the LSLBC and through civil court.

Can I report a contractor I believe is violating Act 239?

Yes. File a complaint with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at lslbc.louisiana.gov. You can also report insurance violations to the Louisiana Department of Insurance at ldi.la.gov.

Does Act 239 apply to insurance-funded repairs?

Yes. Whether a job is paid out of pocket or through an insurance claim, the contractor performing the work must comply with Act 239. In fact, insurance-funded work is where unlicensed contractor problems are most common, storm chasers specifically target post-storm insurance claims.

Does Act 239 cover Roof Maxx or similar treatments?

Surface treatments like Roof Maxx that do not involve structural work or material replacement are generally below the threshold that triggers Act 239 requirements. However, Acadiana Roof Restoration maintains full licensing and insurance on all work regardless of scope.