How does diving in the Keys and PR stack up to the rest?

I'm trying to plan a scuba trip to the Caribbean for late August/early September. One of my potential travel partners is on a work visa here in the US and cannot (easily) travel abroad. I am guessing that leaves only the Florida Keys and maybe Puerto Rico as destination options.

My question to you all is: how does diving in either of these places stack up to the more famous destinations that end up in all the Top 10 and Top 100 lists?

It may be relevant to know that some of us on the trip will be looking to get scuba certified--I've been diving but only once, and my friends have never been.

Thanks!

Would you consider diving in Hawaii or do you think you'll stick to east coast options only?

Yeah, we'd stick to the Caribbean area mostly. I'm in NYC so going to Hawaii is a pretty long flight to take for a few days' vacation.

Actually, the person with the visa issues has dropped out of the trip, so we have no restrictions anymore. But I'd still be curious, if anyone cares to chime in.

In my experience, PR diving is not fantastic--on the north you have the PR trench, and the water tends to be on the murky side.

Not too much further away, in St. Lucia, is some of the best diving I have ever experienced in my life.
Belize is supposed to have some great dives, and I think also St. Maarten?