diff --git a/trains/automation/optimization.py b/trains/automation/optimization.py
index f7b0c4de..720e3b13 100644
--- a/trains/automation/optimization.py
+++ b/trains/automation/optimization.py
@@ -1087,7 +1087,7 @@ class HyperParameterOptimizer(object):
         if specific_time:
             self.optimization_timeout = specific_time.timestamp()
         else:
-            self.optimization_timeout = (in_minutes * 60.) + time() if in_minutes else None
+            self.optimization_timeout = (float(in_minutes) * 60.) + time() if in_minutes else None
 
     def get_time_limit(self):
         # type: () -> datetime