FBI Supervisory Special Agent Darrin Jones said authorities do not believe the incident was related to terrorism. It was unclear why the man tried to open the plane's door.
Jones said Sheffield faces charges of interference with flight crew members and destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities. It's unclear whether Sheffield has a lawyer.
The flight to Tampa resumed at 4 a.m.
Susan Elliott, a spokeswoman at Delta's headquarters in Atlanta, said the aircraft, an Airbus A320, and its 100 passengers and seven crew members never were in jeopardy.
"It is impossible to open a cabin door during flight because of the pressurization of the aircraft," she said.
Elliott declined to disclose details of what happened on the flight, citing the FBI's investigation.
"Delta is grateful to the passengers who offered their support and assistance to the flight crew," Elliott said.
