An EPA sponsored lake restoration feasibility study afforded the opportunity to examine the applicability of conventional temperate zone indices and management approaches to tropical Puerto Rican lakes. Major problems in using temperate zone guidelines are anticipated in Puerto Rico because lake events are relatively aseasonal, nitrogen rather than phosphorus may be limiting, heavy rainfall and steep topography result in naturally high loading, and mountainous terrain results in protection from wind driven mixing. Data for 26 lakes were examined; two of these lakes had been studied in detail. Trophic state indices using chlorophyll, nitrate, total phosphorus, transparency, net productivity, and other parameters were calculated and used in lake ranking. Some comparisons with Florida lakes suggest that Puerto Rican lakes receive more nutrients without developing objectionable blooms. We suggest a series of recommendations for study and management of Puerto Rican lakes.